Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, but they do not always have enough room to properly emerge. They also do not provide any real functional benefit to your smile. In other words, you can take them or leave them. Unfortunately, many choose to “leave them” because wisdom teeth are known for causing more harm than good. Painful jaw cysts, gum infection, sinus issues, cavities and misalignment are often associated with poorly erupted or impacted wisdom teeth. Therefore, most dentists suggest extracting these third molars before problems arise. Wisdom teeth removal is most commonly performed for patients who are between the ages of 18 and 24.
If you have decided not to take a proactive approach in getting your wisdom teeth removed early, you need to know the warning signs of wisdom teeth problems. If you suffer from the following symptoms, make a call to your dentist sooner rather than later – as you may need to schedule a wisdom teeth extraction.
- Pain behind the molars, at the back of the mouth
- Worsening pain over time due to sideways eruption
- Redness or swelling near back molars
- Foul breath or bad taste upon chewing food, which indicate signs of an infection
An impacted or infected wisdom tooth is nothing to take lightly, and the procedure to remove it is nothing to fear. At Park South Dentistry, we have an elite team of dental professionals that deliver excellence in wisdom teeth removal. It is an in-office procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. If needed, sedation dentistry can be used to maximize your comfort. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, let us restore your comfort and smile health today!
