How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Determining whether or not you need to get your wisdom teeth removed usually involves assessing your symptoms, conducting an examination, and taking X-rays. Here are some key indicators and steps in this assessment;
- Pain or Discomfort:
One of the signs that your wisdom teeth may require removal is experiencing pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, which can sometimes radiate toward the ear. - Swelling or Tenderness:
Swollen gums at the back of your mouth or tenderness while chewing or biting can indicate issues with your wisdom teeth. - Jaw Problems:
Difficulty in opening your mouth, stiffness, or swelling in the jaw could be signs of impacted wisdom teeth. - Gum Infection:
If you see redness, swelling, or bleeding gums near your back teeth, or notice a taste or smell, it may indicate an infection related to your wisdom teeth. - Cyst Formation:
In some cases, fluid-filled sacs known as cysts can form around teeth. If left untreated, these cysts can cause harm to the adjacent teeth, jawbone, and nerves. - Crowding:
Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment issues. - Regular checkups and X-rays:
Dentists can often detect issues with wisdom teeth during routine examinations, even before any symptoms arise. X-rays can reveal impacted teeth, determine their angle of eruption, and identify any harm to neighbouring teeth. - Consultation with a dental professional:
If your regular check-ups indicate possible problems or you experience any symptoms, your dentist will assess if extraction is necessary. This assessment is crucial as not all wisdom teeth require removal.
It is important to remember that some people may not have any symptoms regarding their wisdom teeth. However, it might still be necessary to remove them as a preventive measure against future issues. Regular dental check-ups are crucial in monitoring the health and development of wisdom teeth.