While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, infection, and other complications that require extraction. In this post, Dr. Justin Liggett will discuss everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, including common problems, symptoms, and treatment options.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop and usually emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have more or less. Some people may not have any, others may have impacted wisdom teeth that never fully emerge. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause problems, such as infection, gum disease, and damage to surrounding teeth.
Common Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge, they can become impacted, or trapped in the jawbone. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Infection: When bacteria build up around the wisdom teeth, it can cause infection, which can lead to pain, swelling, and even difficulty opening the mouth.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and misalignment.
- Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Problems
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist to determine if your wisdom teeth are causing the problem:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Headaches or earaches
Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth
If your dentist determines that your wisdom teeth are causing problems, they may recommend extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. After the tooth is removed, you will receive instructions for caring for the extraction site and preventing infection.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to determine if your wisdom teeth are causing the problem. At Morning Star Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services, including wisdom tooth extraction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services.
