Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and erupt in the back of the mouth, typically during the late teenage years or early adulthood. While some people never experience any problems with their wisdom teeth, others may develop symptoms that require extraction.
So here are the three signs of wisdom teeth symptoms that may lead to needing your wisdom teeth removed.
Pain and Discomfort One of the most common symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth is pain and discomfort. This can occur when the wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighbouring teeth, causing pain, pressure, and discomfort. In some cases, the pain may be intermittent, while in others, it may be constant and severe. Pain and discomfort can also occur if the wisdom teeth are infected or decayed.
Swelling and Inflammation Swelling and inflammation are also common symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth. This can occur when the wisdom teeth are partially erupted, allowing bacteria and food particles to become trapped under the gums. This can lead to an infection called pericoronitis, which can cause swelling, inflammation, and pain. Swelling and inflammation can also occur if the wisdom teeth are decayed or infected.
Difficulty Eating and Speaking When the wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or decayed, they can make it difficult to eat and speak properly. This is because the pain, pressure, and discomfort can make it uncomfortable to move the jaw and mouth. Some people may also experience bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth due to the trapped food particles and bacteria.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with us. We will examine your teeth and gums and determine whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedures
If your dentist determines that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, there are two types of extraction procedures that may be recommended: local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.
Local Anesthesia Local anaesthesia is typically used for simple extractions, where the wisdom teeth have fully erupted from the gums. The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and the tooth is carefully extracted using specialized instruments. This procedure is typically done in the dentist's office, and patients can usually return home the same day.
General Anesthesia General anaesthesia may be used for more complex extractions, such as when the wisdom teeth are impacted or when multiple teeth need to be removed. With general anaesthesia, the patient is put to sleep using medication and is monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. This type of extraction is typically done in a hospital or surgical centre, and patients will need someone to drive them home afterwards.
The best thing you can do if you are experiencing pain, swelling, inflammation, or difficulty eating and speaking, is give us a call to make an appointment. We can recommend the best extraction procedure (if needed) for your specific situation, whether it is a simple extraction under local anaesthesia or a more complex extraction under general anaesthesia. Or we may discover that there is another issue going on that we can help you with treatment.
We aim to provide proper care and management so that you can maintain optimal oral health and prevent complications associated with problematic wisdom teeth.
To book an appointment, give us a call or visit us at our Waratah Dental practice where we facilitate our Central West Wisdom Teeth dental services.
PH: (02) 6351 3520
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