Wisdom teeth are the last molars that erupt in your mouth. They usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, these teeth can cause problems. They might come in crooked or not come in fully.
When this happens, you may need to have them removed quickly. Understanding the signs that you may need emergency wisdom tooth removal can help you act fast.
If you notice these signs, it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Below, we talk about these signs in detail.
Pain and Swelling
One of the most common signs that you may need emergency wisdom tooth removal is pain. Pain from wisdom teeth can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, the tooth may only partly come in. This can cause pain.
If a wisdom tooth only partly comes in, your gums might become swollen. The swelling can cause even more pain.
If you feel a lot of pain in the back of your mouth, where your wisdom teeth are, you should see your dentist. This pain could mean that you need wisdom teeth extraction.
Red, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums are pink and firm. If your wisdom teeth cause you problems, your gums may not stay healthy. You might notice that your gums are red. Your gums might swell up. In some cases, your gums may even bleed.
Bleeding gums are not normal. If your gums are bleeding, you need to see your dentist. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums could mean you have a wisdom tooth cavity. A wisdom tooth cavity needs to be treated quickly. If left untreated, it can cause more problems.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
Sometimes, you might notice that your breath smells bad. You could also have an unpleasant taste in your mouth. This can happen when you have a wisdom tooth cavity.
Bacteria can build up around the wisdom tooth and cause a bad smell or taste. If you have bad breath that does not go away or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, you should see your dentist. Bad breath and an unpleasant taste can be signs that you need an extraction.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Another sign is trouble opening your mouth. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, it can be hard to open your mouth all the way. You might feel stiffness or pain when trying to open your mouth.
Having trouble opening your mouth can make eating and talking difficult. If this happens to you, seeing your dentist is important. You might need wisdom teeth extraction.
Fever and Infection
If your wisdom teeth cause a fever, you might have an infection. An infected wisdom tooth needs treatment. Signs of an infection include feeling hot, having chills, and feeling tired. Your face might also swell up.
If you think you have an infection, you should see a dentist or doctor right away. An infected wisdom tooth needs treatment to avoid more serious health problems.
Cysts and Damage to Other Teeth
Occasionally, a wisdom tooth can cause more serious issues like cysts. Cysts are pockets of fluid that can form in your mouth. They can cause damage to your jawbone and nearby teeth.
If a wisdom tooth is not aligned properly, it can push against other teeth. This can cause misalignment of your teeth. It can also cause damage to nearby teeth. If you notice any unusual lumps or growths in your mouth, see your dentist.
Food Getting Stuck
Food getting stuck around your wisdom teeth can be a common problem. If there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to come in correctly, they can create tight spaces for food to get trapped. Trapped food can lead to a wisdom tooth cavity.
It can also lead to gum infections. If you notice food getting stuck in the back of your mouth, see your dentist. You may need emergency wisdom tooth removal to prevent further issues.
Overcrowding
Not having enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding. This can affect the alignment of your existing teeth. You may notice that your other teeth are being pushed out of place.
Overcrowding can make it hard to clean your teeth properly. This can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you notice signs of overcrowding, see your dentist. You may need wisdom teeth extraction to maintain the alignment of your teeth.
Jaw Stiffness
Another sign is jaw stiffness. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your jaw may feel stiff or sore. It can be difficult to move your jaw normally.
Jaw stiffness can affect eating and speaking. If you have jaw stiffness, see your dentist. Wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary.
Sinus Problems
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause sinus issues. This is because the upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses. If the wisdom teeth are causing pressure or infection, you may feel symptoms in your sinuses.
Sinus symptoms can include pressure, pain, and congestion. If you notice sinus problems along with other symptoms of wisdom teeth issues, see your dentist.
Numbness
Feeling numbness in your mouth or face can be a sign of serious dental issues. If your wisdom teeth are impacting your nerves, you may feel numbness in your tongue, lips, or chin.
Numbness can be a sign that you need immediate dental attention. If you experience numbness, see your dentist right away. You might need wisdom teeth extraction to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Unhealed Sores
If you have sores in your mouth that do not heal, it can be a sign of a problem with your wisdom teeth. Sores that stay for a long time can be painful and may indicate an infection.
Seeing your dentist for unhealed sores is important. It could mean that you need emergency wisdom tooth removal to help the sores heal and prevent further infection.
Recognize the Urgency of Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal
Knowing the signs that you may need emergency wisdom tooth removal can help you take action quickly. Pain, swelling, bleeding gums, bad breath, and other symptoms should not be ignored. If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can assess whether you need wisdom teeth extraction to resolve the issue.
Taking care of your wisdom teeth can prevent serious health problems and keep your mouth healthy. For more on this content, visit the rest of our blog!
