5 Common Signs You Might Need a Wisdom Tooth Removed

As a dentist, I usually face patients who want to know whether their wisdom teeth require extraction. I often tell them that some individuals never experience issues with their wisdom teeth. On the other hand, others might experience some symptoms, which makes wisdom tooth removal a necessary choice. These signs are:

• Persistent pain, 
• Swelling, 
• Jaw issues, 
• Teeth crowding, 
• And chewing difficulties.

In this blog, we will highlight the signs of wisdom tooth removal you should keep an eye on. You can also listen to us discuss the signs telling you that it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed.

5 Signs It’s Time for a Wisdom Tooth Removal

A better understanding of the signs that indicate a wisdom tooth needs removal can help you take timely action. Here, we have mentioned top signs telling you you might need to consult your dentist. Let’s check them out! 

Symptoms	Details
Persistent pain in the back of your mouth	It might occur while your wisdom teeth put pressure on the neighboring teeth and your gums. Many of our patients also complain about experiencing pain in their jaw. However, the truth is this pain and discomfort won’t resolve on its own without proper treatment.
Swelling and inflammation	This sign also needs to be taken seriously. Patients with swelling gums often face difficulties with oral hygiene practices. This problem may increase the risk of plaque buildup and even infection.
Chewing difficulties	Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth might lead to bigger problems, such as experiencing chewing difficulties or feeling pain while opening their mouth.
Jaw issues	Jaw issues might lead to digestion problems. In more severe cases, wisdom teeth might impair your ability to shut your jaw comfortably
Teeth crowding	Teeth crowding causes a misaligned smile. These wisdom teeth give too much space, putting pressure on the neighboring teeth.

What to Do If You Experience These Signs

If you have noticed any of those mentioned symptoms, you should contact your dentist as soon as you can. Early treatment can help prevent more serious issues in the future.

How to Get Diagnosed by a Dentist

Our dental team starts the examination by taking X-rays to evaluate the type and position of your wisdom tooth. During the assessment, we can identify alignment issues and look for the signs of infection.

Here, we have mentioned a patient’s experience:

First, I noticed pain and discomfort in the back of my mouth, Ali said. 

After a few days, the pain became more severe. I couldn’t chew the food properly; I felt a headache and mild ear pain. So, I decided to schedule a dental appointment with the professional dentist of Eagle Family Dentistry. They thoroughly examined my mouth and teeth and identified a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The dentist recommended wisdom tooth removal to prevent further damage and more serious problems.

Treatment Options: Monitoring vs. Extraction

Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t cause problems. In this situation, we usually recommend monitoring the wisdom teeth instead of removing them. However, extractions are the best solution for patients who are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, or misalignment.

Treatment Option	Proper Candidates	Pros	Cons
Monitoring	Suitable for those whose wisdom teeth haven’t caused any issues yet	Non-invasive	Doesn’t address complications
Extraction	Proper for individuals with a fully erupted wisdom tooth	A quick healing process and simple procedure	Patients might experience discomfort during recovery
Extraction(surgery)	Proper for cases with impacted teeth	Permanent relief from pain and discomfort	Invasive procedure and longer recovery

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Following aftercare instructions plays a key role in an effective, quick healing process, reducing the risk of discomfort and complications in the future. According to Healthline, the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction usually takes between 3 days to 2 weeks. It depends on various factors, such as your age and if any were impacted.

What to Expect During Recovery

It is normal to experience some symptoms, such as mild pain, swelling, or bleeding in the first 24 hours. Our patients usually tell us that the pain is much more manageable than they expected, especially with proper aftercare.

Pain Management Tips and Diet Suggestions

If you are experiencing pain during recovery, you can use over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen. We usually recommend applying ice packs on the cheek, near the extraction site to reduce swelling and pain. Additionally, following a healthy diet is also essential for a proper recovery. Avoid hard and crunchy snacks and consume soft foods, such as:

• Mashed-potatoes
• Soup
• Yogurt
• Smoothies

What Happens If You Ignore Wisdom Tooth Problems?

Postponing or ignoring wisdom tooth problems might lead to more severe oral issues and health problems. Let’s see what is gonna happen if you ignore this issue:

1. Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to health-threatening problems. When the tooth cannot fully emerge, the risk of infection, misalignment, and chewing difficulties will increase, leading to long-term health issues.

2. Patients with partially erupted wisdom teeth may face challenges with brushing and flossing. This issue increases the likelihood of bacteria growth and infection.

3. Untreated wisdom teeth issues may affect the neighboring teeth and jawbone, leading to misalignment and decay. Some of our patients have experienced cyst formation around their impacted teeth.

Need a professional extraction? At Eagle Family Dentistry, you can find reputable and most experienced dentists. They are committed to using the latest methods and continuously upgrading their knowledge. So, you can trust them with peace of mind and achieve the healthier and harmonious smile you deserve. Book an appointment today!

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