Impacted Wisdom Tooth Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop and emerge between the ages of late teens to early twenties.
For some individuals, the emergence will be without any problems,
but in others, there may not be sufficient room for the development of these teeth.
An impacted wisdom tooth means a wisdom tooth that emerges under the gum or at an angle that it should not. An impacted tooth doesn't always produce any symptoms; however, it can lead to other problems such as pain, swelling, infections, and decay.
We must know about the symptoms and treat them in time.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When a tooth fails to emerge due to lack of space or obstruction from the gum, another tooth or bone, then the tooth is said to be impacted.
It can be either fully covered by the gum or partially erupted. The partially erupted teeth are more vulnerable to infections because food particles and bacteria will accumulate in that region.
Impacted teeth do not always require removal.
However, your dentist will evaluate your condition and advise the right course of treatment based on the location of your tooth and how it affects your oral health in general.
X-ray tests will be used to determine the exact location and level of danger posed by your tooth to the surrounding tissues.
Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Infection
If bacteria accumulate both on the impacted wisdom teeth and the gums, it may lead to an infection in the teeth. Knowing the common symptoms of wisdom teeth infection will make it easier for you to determine the time when you need to get your wisdom teeth treated.
Some common symptoms are as follows:
Pain or throbbing in the back part of the mouth
Red or swollen gums
Swelling of the jaw and/or cheek
Bad breath
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Pain during chewing
Discharge from the gums
Difficulty in opening the mouth
Fever and general feeling of illness
There is a possibility that at first you may only experience a few symptoms from the list above. However, do not ignore the increasing symptoms.
7 Indications That Your Wisdom Tooth Requires Attention
1. Severe Pain
Pain resulting from a wisdom tooth can be very unpleasant as a result of pressure on the other teeth or infection on the surrounding gum.
Although occasional pain is not necessarily indicative of a health problem, any pain that persists or worsens needs to be evaluated by a professional.
Any form of pain that affects your sleep, eating habits or other routine functions should prompt you to visit the dentist.
2. Swollen Or Tender Gums
When you experience swelling at the back of the mouth, this is often a clear indication that a problem exists with an emerging or impacted wisdom tooth.
In cases of partial eruption, a small opening will develop in the gum through which food and bacteria can easily get trapped, leading to inflammation and infection.
If you notice that the swelling persists or increases in pain and bleeds easily, then you need to visit your dentist.
3. Bad Taste Or Persistent Bad Breath
Bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath may sometimes be linked to the presence of infection or bacteria in the area of your wisdom tooth.
If such symptoms coincide with pain, swelling, and drainage, they should not simply be treated by using mints or mouthwash alone.
The dentist will examine the area and determine the source of the problem.
4. Difficulty In Opening Your Mouth
Sometimes, infection in your impacted wisdom tooth can lead to difficulty in opening your mouth.
This can be more prevalent when eating or speaking. When this symptom combines with jaw stiffness, pain, or fever, visit your dentist immediately.
5. Fever or General Malaise
The presence of fever, together with dental pain or swelling, could suggest infection.
In case of fever following the surgery of the wisdom teeth, consult with your dental professional for recommendations, especially if you have fever along with increasing pain, swelling, pus formation, and malaise.
Do not always consider fever as a natural phenomenon of healing.
6. Swelling of the Face or Jaw
Facial or jaw swelling could be a result of infection or inflammation.
A little discomfort can be tolerated while waiting for the appointment, but fast-spreading swelling should be treated urgently.
If it obstructs breathing or swallowing, seek emergency treatment right away.
7. Recurring Food Lodging
Recurrent food lodging in the area around the partially erupted wisdom tooth suggests difficulty cleaning the area.
This can lead to inflammation of the gums and tooth decay.
Your dentist will teach you how to take care of the problem area and to decide whether it can be controlled or not.
Is Impacted Wisdom Tooth the Source of Infection?
Yes, an impacted wisdom tooth or partially erupted wisdom tooth can cause the development of pockets that are not easy to clean. It means that food particles and bacteria accumulate in this area, causing the development of inflammation.
As a result, there can be symptoms of the infection such as pain, swelling, halitosis, unpleasant taste, and even fever.
This is the reason why regular visits to the dentist can be useful, even if you don't experience any issues with your impacted wisdom tooth. This way, your dentist will notice any changes and prescribe the right treatment before the complications appear.
What Can You Do to Treat Wisdom Tooth Infection?
In some cases, the treatment of wisdom tooth infection can depend on the causes of this issue and its severity.
First of all, your dentist may examine the tooth and take X-rays in order to understand the causes of the problem. The treatment may consist of cleaning, reducing inflammation, and relieving symptoms.
If the infection is actively developing, your dentist can prescribe antibiotics, which will help to eliminate the bacteria. However, it will not solve the problem completely. If an impacted wisdom tooth causes different complications, it should be extracted.
When Is Emergency Extraction Required for Wisdom Teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth that cause pain require emergency treatment. Sometimes, what needs to be done initially is to manage infection and inflammation before thinking about the next step.
But severe pain, inflammation, fever, and symptoms of infection have to be taken seriously. There are instances when removal of a wisdom tooth becomes necessary in emergency circumstances.
In case you cannot breathe or swallow because of the swollen face or neck, then you need urgent attention rather than waiting for your regular dental visit.
What to Expect during the Removal of Wisdom Teeth?
It would depend on how difficult your wisdom teeth extraction procedure will be since it depends on their position and condition.
An easy tooth can be removed relatively easily, while an impacted wisdom tooth may require surgery to be done to extract it from your mouth.
Your dental practitioner should explain everything to you regarding the wisdom teeth surgery before doing it. They should also inform you about the anesthesia that may be required.
Your doctor will give you directions on what to eat and drink before your procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Melbourne
Looking for wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne? You may be able to get your teeth checked up by a skilled dentist.
If you are in search of wisdom tooth removal in Melbourne, wisdom tooth extraction near me, or just looking for some help dealing with your pain, then it will be possible for you to locate a dental clinic where your impacted teeth can be checked out.
You will not necessarily require an extraction at this point. It will be up to the dentist to decide whether your wisdom teeth need any kind of treatment or even extraction.
Moreover, choosing an expert dentist for wisdom teeth extraction will give you an idea of what to expect from this visit.
Wisdom Tooth Pain During Pregnancy
When pregnant, it becomes particularly difficult for you to deal with the issue on your own, as you do not know how to handle it. If you have wisdom tooth pain during pregnancy, you should always contact your dentist and never try to fix it yourself.
It will be important for you to mention the fact that you are pregnant and to provide information on any medications and other supplements that you use.
Your dentist will cooperate with your health care provider to help you solve your problem. Remember that it is extremely important to treat the infection, so do not ignore your condition due to pregnancy.
How to Stay Away from Wisdom Teeth Problems?
Having an impacted wisdom tooth is sometimes inevitable, but good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing problems with it.
One must:
Brush the teeth using fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Pay attention especially to the rear molars while brushing.
Practice good flossing techniques between the teeth.
Get frequent dental checkups.
Adhere to the dentist’s guidelines about impacted teeth.
Contact the dentist if there is any pain or swelling in the mouth.
It is recommended not to ignore the appointment even if the pain has subsided, as it usually goes away temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all impacted wisdom teeth suitable for extraction?
Not all impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Extraction should be considered in case of infections, decay, damage to other teeth, or anything else that could be problematic.
2. How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
The indications of infection are pain, swollen gums, swollen face, bad breath, mouth odor, pus, and fever. The only way to find out what is going on is by visiting the dentist.
3. Is swelling after wisdom teeth removal common?
It is common for there to be swelling after removal, particularly within the first two days. Swelling, pain, fever, and other symptoms of concern must be discussed with your dentist.
4. Can impacted wisdom teeth cause problems without pain?
Yes. There will be occasions where an impacted wisdom tooth may cause complications but have no symptoms. It is important to visit the dentist for examination and X-rays.
Don’t Take the Changes Around Your Wisdom Teeth Lightly
Even though not all impacted wisdom teeth will end up being problematic, it is important to note that symptoms such as pain, swelling, bad taste, fever, or trouble moving your jaw shouldn't be ignored.
Through proper early diagnosis, you will be in a position of getting to the bottom of what the problem is all about and get to know how you can go about it. Depending on whether you need treatment or just observation of the wisdom tooth, the dentist will give the final verdict after analyzing your case.
In case you have wisdom tooth symptoms, it is time to see a dentist.
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