Routine dental care can sometimes reveal the necessity for wisdom tooth removal. While it’s often seen as a rite of passage, the procedure is not without its risks and complications, especially if you delay emergency treatment.
Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, recognizing the signs that you might need emergency wisdom tooth removal is crucial for managing your dental health. So here are some common signs that indicate you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
1. Sudden and Persistent Pain
Sharp, sudden pains that don’t go away are often the first and most common signal that something is amiss with your wisdom teeth. The discomfort may be felt in the back of the mouth, the gums, or even the jaw.
You need to be aware if pain is persistent. If it starts to interfere with your daily routine – eating, speaking, or sleeping – it’s time to contact this emergency dentist.
2. Red and Swollen Gums
Wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and swelling in the gums, particularly if they are impacted or partially erupted. This leads to redness and puffiness around the area where your wisdom teeth are coming through.
If you notice this type of gum irritation, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You might need to start researching how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal. Ignoring it may result in further complications.
3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Another telltale sign that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed is difficulty opening your mouth. If you feel a limited range of motion when trying to open your mouth, it could be due to an impacted wisdom tooth pressing against nerves and muscles in your jaw.
4. Swelling Around Your Jaw
In addition to swollen gums, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause swelling around the jaw. This is caused by the body’s natural response to an infection or inflammation.
If you notice any swelling in your jaw, it’s important to seek emergency dental care. This way, you can undergo wisdom teeth x-ray to determine the extent of your wisdom tooth cavity.
5. Stiffness and Pain in the Jaw
Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause stiffness and pain in the jaw, particularly when trying to move your mouth. This is often due to an infection or inflammation caused by bacteria trapped around the wisdom tooth.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to visit a dentist for prompt treatment. Delaying emergency wisdom tooth removal can lead to further complications such as abscesses.
6. Cysts in the Mouth
In some cases, a sac near an impacted tooth can fill with fluid and form a cyst. If this cyst is not treated promptly, it can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
7. Decay of Adjacent Molars
The position and angle at which wisdom teeth grow can make them difficult to clean. This often leads to a high susceptibility to cavities and infections. In severe cases, the decay of adjacent molars can also occur.
Don’t Wait Until You Need Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important not to ignore them and seek prompt dental care. Delaying treatment can lead to severe pain, infection, and the need for an emergency wisdom tooth removal.
It’s also crucial to have regular check-ups with your dentist and monitor the growth and development of your wisdom teeth. This will help the identify any potential issues early on. Your future self will thank you!