Sooner or later, most people need to get their wisdom teeth removed. It might be just a matter of time until you need to get yours taken out – but how do you know exactly when you should say goodbye to those pesky teeth?
Often it's your dentist who will decide when you need to get them extracted, by looking at X-rays to determine whether they will cause problems or are at risk of decay. If you are between appointments though, you might experience some symptoms which indicate that you should take action.
Look out for these three signs that you may need to get your wisdom teeth removed.
The pain caused by wisdom teeth typically increases the longer you leave them untreated.
1. Persistent pain
One of the most noticeable signs that you may need your wisdom teeth taken out is a pain in the back of your mouth. You may feel pain when you're eating, brushing, or even throughout the day – whatever the case, the best course of action is to make an appointment for a dental check up to find out what's going on.
If they are growing in sideways or misaligned, the pain caused by wisdom teeth typically increases the longer you leave them untreated.
2. Stiffness and pain in your jaw
As your wisdom teeth come in, they can push against your other teeth and make them move. This in turn can cause you discomfort in your jaw, so if it feels stiff and sore you should get your dentist to take a closer look.
3. Tender gums
As your wisdom teeth grow in you may notice tender gums around the area. As they erupt, bacteria can cause infections in the surrounding gum tissue. Once wisdom teeth have burst through your gums, they can also be difficult to clean and food particles trapped near the irritated area can worsen the problem. Extraction may be the solution to reducing the inflammation and making it easier for you to clean.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, book an appointment with us immediately. We'll be able to take a closer look and if necessary, talk you through the steps you need to take to remove your wisdom teeth.