How Do I Know If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
February 26, 2023 7:02 pm
Your wisdom teeth are the molars at the very back of your mouth. These late-blooming teeth were likely helpful for our early ancestors, who had broader jaws. But as the human diet changed, our jaws got smaller and less accommodating of wisdom teeth. Because they often cause problems, many patients have them removed at some point. So how do you know if these teeth need to come out?
If you still have your wisdom teeth, our team at Serene Dentistry will check them at every exam and ask if you’re experiencing any symptoms. If you are, we can discuss whether removing them is the best choice for your health. For example, you may experience:
Pain
A dull, aching pain in the back of your mouth can signal your wisdom teeth should come out. Chewing can become uncomfortable. The pain can also lead to frequent headaches or even migraines.
Sensitivity
Do your teeth feel more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or sour and sweet flavors? Your gums may also feel tender, sore, and swollen at the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are.
Frequent Cavities
Wisdom teeth can grow in crooked and overcrowd your other teeth if you don’t have enough room in your mouth. This can make it harder to keep your teeth clean. It could be time to get your wisdom teeth extracted if you struggle with frequent cavities in neighboring teeth.
Infections
When your wisdom teeth get stuck beneath the gums and grow at a strange angle, they’re considered impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause all sorts of problems, including infections around the teeth they’re closest to. Untreated infections can cause serious health issues, including tooth loss. Be aware of common infection symptoms like pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in McKinney, TX
Although wisdom tooth removal can sound scary, Dr. Jay and our team are committed to making the process as stress-free and comfortable as possible! So if you have questions about your wisdom teeth, please contact Serene Dentistry to schedule an appointment!
Wisdom teeth image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Tooth Extractions