3 Signs Of An Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Your wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, tend to fully develop by the time you reach the age of 30. It most commonly occurs during the teen years. The problem with these third molars is that most people usually lack the space needed in their mouth for them to develop all the way. As a result, they can become fully or partially impacted. Here are some signs of an impacted wisdom tooth to watch out for:
Pain
The most noticeable symptom will of course be pain. As your tooth erupts, it will push into the tissues next to it and this will feel similar to the teething discomfort an infant experiences when their teeth first come in. The pain usually comes and goes, and may feel like a dull ache or pressure inside your jaw. This pain can intensify as you chew or open your mouth and it could gradually extend towards your ear and temple.
Swelling/Inflammation
Redness around the gums and swelling inside your mouth are main signs that your wisdom teeth are trying to erupt. Occasionally, you may even notice cysts developing around these molars, which can become infected and eventually lead to inflammation. This swelling or inflammation typically occurs due to the additional pressure caused by your impacted wisdom teeth trying to emerge against other teeth and bones.
Crowded Teeth
Since impacted teeth are slanted at an angle, they press against their neighbouring teeth. This extra pressure causes the other teeth to be displaced. Over time, you’ll notice crowding and evident tooth movement across your mouth, more so towards the front of your smile. If you’ve worn braces in the past, impacted wisdom teeth may cause a relapse.
When to Visit the Dentist?
If you notice signs of impact wisdom teeth like pain or swelling, a visit to your dentist should be your top priority. Why? Because early intervention can help manage these symptoms and prevent complications from arising. When you visit our clinic with signs of an impacted wisdom tooth, we will assess your mouth and formulate a personalised treatment plan for you.
Regular dental check-ups also help the early detection of problems like impacted wisdom teeth before symptom.
Experiencing signs of impacted wisdom teeth, such as pain or swelling, should prompt a visit to your dentist. A professional evaluation allows you to receive a tailored form of treatment, whether that involves monitoring the teeth or discussing surgical interventions. Early intervention by a dental professional can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent complications from wisdom teeth impaction.
Regular dental check-ups facilitate the early detection of potential issues and management of impacted wisdom teeth, even before symptoms become apparent. During these visits, dentists can use X-rays to monitor the position and health of your wisdom teeth. Then, based on identified signs of impacted wisdom teeth, they will provide insights that guide preventive care or alternative treatment strategies. Engaging with a dentist regularly helps maintain overall oral health and can prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
Suffering from pain at the back of your mouth and suspect it may be your wisdom tooth? A quick x-ray will confirm this! Call Port Melbourne Dental today to schedule your checkup.