Wisdom teeth, also called your third molars, were useful tools for our ancient ancestors, but these days, many people end up having them extracted for one reason or another. Ultimately, they have become more of a nuisance than helpful to our smiles. It is common for wisdom teeth to become impacted, which usually warrants them being extracted. Continue reading to learn some of the most common signs of wisdom tooth impaction.
You Can Only See Part of Your Wisdom Teeth
Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth are often able to function as a normal part of the mouth. However, most people’s mouths don’t have the room to accommodate their wisdom teeth. As a result, the teeth might partially emerge from the gumline while remaining partially impacted. If you notice that the teeth at the back of your mouth are only slightly protruding from the gumline, it is likely that they are impacted and need to be removed.
You Are Experiencing Pain
If your wisdom teeth are totally impacted, you may not be able to see them or feel them with your tongue. However, they can still cause various issues. For instance, if your wisdom teeth are attempting to erupt at a strong angle, this can cause them to push against the surrounding teeth. This can result in pain toward the back of the mouth and your jaw. Inflammation and redness in the gums are also common.
You Have Symptoms of Infection
Wisdom teeth that have only partially erupted can be difficult to clean. Food becomes easily trapped around then, causing the adjacent teeth to be more prone to tooth decay. Bad breath, swelling, cysts, and sharp dental sensitivity toward the back of the mouth can all indicate that one of your wisdom teeth is impacted and infected.
See Your Dentist!
The only way to know for certain that your wisdom tooth is impacted is to visit a qualified dentist. X-rays can show where your third molars are located and whether they are threatening the wellbeing of your smile. This is something that your dental team checks for during your routine cleanings and checkups, so be sure to stay on track with those appointments.
Impacted wisdom teeth can have a significant impact on the health of your smile. By seeing your dentist for a professional opinion, you can set the future of your smile up for success!
About the Practice
At Frandsen Dental of Orem, Dr. Brian Frandsen and Dr. Dan Dansie work together to treat patients in the Oram community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything we need under one roof. To learn more about wisdom teeth or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (801) 224-7900.