Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that develop in the back of the mouth and don’t have room to develop in the normal way that a tooth might. These teeth end up being prone to damage, decay and other issues. When this occurs, a wisdom tooth extraction is needed. Below, we cover the signs of impacted wisdom teeth.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you have a wisdom tooth that is bothering you and are concerned you might need to have it removed, take a look at this guide that describes some of the signs to look out for. It may mean the difference in saving yourself from more serious dental health situations down the line.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
We refer to a group of teeth in the back of the mouth as wisdom teeth. These teeth get their name because they usually erupt into the jaw during a person’s late teens or early adulthood. The third and last molars in the back of the mouth are known as wisdom teeth.
One example of a vestigial organ is a wisdom tooth, which is a bodily element that no longer fulfills a specific evolutionary function. This puts them in line with the tailbone, another ancient remnant of our bodies. Most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth regardless of whether they are impacted or not.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
There are certain signs that can indicate that one’s wisdom teeth have become impacted. Some of the signs to look out for include the following:
- Jaw Pain
- Swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant tastes in the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
If you are experiencing symptoms like these behind your last molar, it could be a sign that you have one or more impacted wisdom teeth. This situation can quickly lead to other dental and medical issues, so scheduling an appointment to see a dentist becomes paramount to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Because it affects neighboring teeth and the nerves that surround them, a decayed wisdom tooth can have a serious effect on the rest of the mouth.
Although it’s not an easy procedure, extracting wisdom teeth doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever. A local anesthetic is first applied by a dentist to the mouth’s treatment area. The wisdom tooth is removed once this part of the mouth is totally numbed. Patients with more complicated instances might be referred to oral surgeons.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Recovery Last?
After wisdom teeth extraction, recovery times can differ because each person’s conditions surrounding this delicate treatment are bound to be slightly different.
The most unpleasant period is usually regarded to be the first 48 hours after the procedure. Most patients may experience some degree of soreness, stiffness, and swelling in their mouth and jaw after this operation.
After their initial course of treatment, most patients recover fully in one to two weeks. Even if problems are rare, it’s crucial to be ready for the chance that they can occur. Regarding your specific instance, your doctor can tell you whether they anticipate any.
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t affecting you, most dentists advise getting them removed. This is because there is such a high potential for dysfunction with these teeth that doctors usually would rather take the initiative and extract wisdom teeth before they begin to cause issues with the other teeth in the mouth. Maintaining optimal jaw health and overall body health is also indirectly linked to having a good set of teeth.
The Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting your wisdom teeth out when you’re still young is usually ideal. Generally speaking, wisdom teeth extraction is best done when the patient is between the ages of 18 and 24.
When a tooth is at least two-thirds of its full size, which usually doesn’t happen until the age of 18, dentists prefer to wait to extract it. However, extracting fully grown wisdom teeth is far more difficult. For this reason, dentists advise having the surgery done before the age of 24, as this is when the procedure becomes more complex.
The Top Dentist in Chino Hills
Dental Care of Chino Hills and Dr. Bhavin Changela are dedicated to offering the residents of Chino Hills the best dental care available. If you’re concerned about one or more of your wisdom teeth, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Chino Hills Dentist.