It's time: 5 clear signs you need to remove your wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are found at the back corners of your mouth and are the last teeth to appear. The average patient develops them in their late teens or early twenties but sometimes much later. Unfortunately your wisdom teeth can be a disruptive presence in your mouth and it’s often best to have them removed. You need to know the warning signs of a troublesome wisdom tooth so you can act quickly before the problems get worse. The Pure Smiles team are going to walk you through some of the tell-tail signs that your wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
Pain and irritation
One of the most common signs your wisdom teeth need to be removed is pain and irritation at the back of your mouth. You may also experience major jaw pain, which can happen as your wisdom teeth grow. If you notice any of these pains, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will check your wisdom teeth and determine whether they need to be extracted or not.
Cysts
Cysts can form around your wisdom teeth if they go untreated for too long. These cysts can destroy surrounding areas, like bones, roots, and nerves. Severe cysts can turn into a tumour and require additional surgery to remove the tissue. If you get your wisdom teeth removed early you can heal any cysts that may have developed.
Inflamed gums
When your wisdom teeth first emerge, they can cause gum inflammation (pericoronitis) due to a lack of space. If there’s not enough room for them, it can create a flap of gum tissue that easily traps bacteria and food particles. Painful, swollen gums can make it difficult to eat and pericoronitis can occur around a wisdom tooth that is still underneath your gums. It’s important to get treatment immediately when you have inflamed gums, as the infection can spread to the jaw, neck and cheeks. The bacteria around wisdom teeth can also lead to gum disease.
Cavities
Wisdom teeth can have a massive impact on cleaning surfaces. If the gums become infected, bacteria can spread to the teeth causing cavities. Pure Smiles offer dental fillings and sealants to restore parts of the tooth. If you do find holes in any of your teeth, it’s important you contact your dentist for an examination right away.
Sinus issues
Wisdom teeth can put pressure on the sinuses and cause congestion, though it does not happen frequently. Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, the teeth can push against the sinuses, causing stiffness and headaches. Your dentist will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth are causing sinus problems through an x-ray.
At Pure Smiles, we have a friendly team of dentists. We offer a range of treatments such night-time splints for bruxism, Invisalign braces, and teeth whitening. If you believe you could benefit from having your wisdom teeth removed, please book an appointment or call us on 0203 613 4244.
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