Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the back of the mouth during early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are called wisdom teeth because they typically emerge at a time when a person is transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, and it was once thought that this marked a period of increased wisdom.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right). However, some people may have fewer or no wisdom teeth at all, while others may have additional sets of molars, known as supernumerary teeth. Wisdom teeth can be valuable if they emerge properly and are healthy, but they can also cause problems if they are impacted, infected, or causing crowding or other issues in the mouth.
What are the 7 signs of wisdom teeth problems
Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they do not emerge properly or become infected, impacted, or decayed. Here are some signs of wisdom teeth problems:
- Pain in the back of the mouth: This can be a dull ache or a sharp pain, and may be felt in the gums, jaw, or throat.
- Swelling in the gums or jaw: This can occur if the wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, and may be accompanied by redness and tenderness.
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth: This can be caused by infection or decay around the wisdom teeth.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing: This can occur if the wisdom teeth are causing crowding or pressure in the mouth or throat.
- Headaches or earaches: These can occur if the wisdom teeth are putting pressure on the jaw or surrounding tissues.
- Sinus problems: Pain and pressure in the sinuses can be a sign of impacted or infected wisdom teeth in the upper jaw.
- Shifting of other teeth: Crowding or shifting of other teeth can occur if the wisdom teeth are causing pressure or pushing against neighboring teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to consult with a dentist or dental professional at Elmhurst Dental Arts as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How to determine an infection in wisdom tooth
An infection in a wisdom tooth can be a serious dental problem that requires prompt treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms that can help determine if a wisdom tooth is infected:
- Pain: Pain in the wisdom tooth or surrounding area is a common symptom of an infection. The pain may be severe or mild and can be constant or intermittent.
- Swelling: Swelling in the gums or jaw can occur with an infected wisdom tooth. The swelling can be localized to the area around the tooth or can spread to other areas of the face and neck.
- Redness: The gums around the infected wisdom tooth may appear red and inflamed and have the signs of gum disease.
- Pus: Pus or discharge may be present around the infected wisdom tooth.
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth: An infected wisdom tooth can cause a bad taste or odor in the mouth, even after brushing and rinsing.
- Fever: A fever can indicate that an infection has spread beyond the tooth and into the surrounding tissues.
Is wisdom teeth removal a major surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal is generally considered a minor surgical procedure, but the level of invasiveness and complexity can vary depending on the individual case.
Simple extractions of fully erupted wisdom teeth in Elmhurst Dental Arts, NY may only require local anesthesia and take a short amount of time to complete. This type of extraction is usually considered a minor procedure.
However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they have not fully emerged from the gum line or are growing at an angle, the procedure may be more complex and require general anesthesia. In these cases, the surgery is considered a more significant procedure.
In general, wisdom teeth removal is a routine and safe dental procedure that is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon ain Elmhurst, NY. The level of invasiveness and complexity of the procedure will depend on the individual case, but it is typically considered a minor surgical procedure. It is important to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure proper healing and minimize any discomfort or complications.
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