The wisdom teeth are funny little creatures – they don’t always cause problems, but when they do, you’ll really know it. You may have heard from your dentist that you have wisdom teeth, but do they need to come out? Keep reading to find out the three signs that will tell you it’s time to schedule a wisdom teeth removal in Dallas.
1. You Have an Infection
One of the most common problems that can occur when there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, or break through the gums, is infection. The gum tissue can become irritated when the tooth has only partially broken through, causing swelling, inflammation, and discomfort in the area. An infection in the gums is serious and should be treated promptly to keep it from spreading throughout the body.
What to look out for: You will know the area is infected if you have throbbing pain in the back of your jaw, see redness, suddenly have very bad breath, or become ill.
2. There Is a Cyst
Even if an infection does not occur, you may develop a cyst due to an impacted wisdom tooth. This is a fluid-filled sac located near the tooth that will slowly expand and destroy tissue as it grows larger. In rare cases, these cysts can also become cancerous. Extraction is the best way to prevent discomfort or more serious issues from developing.
What to look out for: Lumps or liquid-filled pockets in the back of the mouth, pain near the wisdom teeth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, a sore throat.
3. Your Other Teeth Are Shifting
When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through (and there rarely is), they will place pressure on the surrounding teeth. This can cause even perfectly-aligned teeth to move out of place, creating tooth crowding or slight gaps in the teeth that were not there before. Extracting the wisdom teeth can help prevent serious orthodontic issues from developing, so you can avoid wearing braces or dealing with cosmetic and functional issues brought on by poorly aligned teeth.
What to look out for: Noticeable changes, like new gaps between teeth or teeth that do not fit together as well as they used to. You may also experience soreness as a result of the shifting teeth.
Make sure to watch out for these three signs that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed – and then don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment to discuss extraction. The sooner, the better for your oral health.
Meet the Oral Surgeon
Dr. Cameron “Cam” Wendling is originally from Charleston, West Virginia and has been providing excellent dental care for patients in Dallas for nearly ten years. He is passionate about using his expertise to transform patients’ smiles and lives. To learn more about wisdom teeth removal or to schedule an appointment, call Texas Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants at (972) 960-1111.