If you go to a dentist for regular check-ups, they should be able to check for and detect potentially painful wisdom teeth, long before they can become a cause for pain. However, that’s not always how things go, and some of us must go through a few days of agonising pain first, before going to a dentist and having it treated. Thankfully, there are a few identifiable signs of an impacted wisdom tooth that warn us before things get progressively worse. Before we get to the signs and symptoms, a basic introduction to the problem itself is necessary to help readers understand the significance of impacted wisdom teeth.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth and What Causes them?
Some people just don’t have enough space left in their gums to allow the natural and painless emergence of their four wisdom teeth. Despite serving no functional purpose, the wisdom tooth tries to emerge all the same in that crowded space. This can lead to the new tooth pushing your existing teeth loose, or in worst case scenarios, an impacted tooth.
An impacted tooth is a condition where the molar is unable to push through to the surface and, as a result, starts embedding itself painfully within the jawbone or even the cheekbone. There are several, well-known, early symptoms associated with a troublesome wisdom tooth. If you have any of the signs discussed next, book an appointment with the McCrae Dental Surgery in Bendigo to have it checked, treated, and removed in the fastest and most painless procedure possible.
Swelling, Tender and Bleeding Gums
There are other diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis which may cause similar issues. On the other hand, when those swollen, bleeding gums originate typically behind a molar, you should treat it as a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth.
Pain or Stiffness While Chewing
On having trouble chewing gum or any other type of chewy food, see if your jaw is locking up, or if it hurts at the joints while stretching your lower jaw beyond a certain point. Also attempt sideways movements after extending your lower jaw a little. Pain or stiffness during any of these activities should warrant a visit to the dentist’s office.
Headaches
Unexplainable headaches are never a good sign as they can indicate grave health concerns, requiring much more serious considerations. Before you go to the doctor though, just check and note if your jaws also feel constricted, or if you have a swollen, painful gum at the back of your teeth. When headaches are accompanied by bleeding gums, swelling, painful jaw movements, etc. it is better to go to a dentist and get checked for a wisdom tooth related issue first.
In case you have had a wisdom tooth pulled recently, don’t take it as a guarantee that you will have trouble with the other three as well. It is possible that the other three might be able to come out naturally, without causing complications. On the other hand, it would be ideal to have the others checked by your dentist anyway. If they see any other wisdom tooth formation with potential to be problematic in the future, the dentist should be able to suggest options even before the signs make themselves evident.
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