5 Signs That Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed

Regarding maintaining optimal oral health, Dr. Cheng Zhu and the team at Pleasant Hill Dental in Pleasant Hill, California, are dedicated to providing expert dental care, including wisdom tooth extractions. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth often emerge in an individual’s late teens or early twenties, but they can sometimes cause complications requiring removal. Here are five key signs that it may be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted.

1. Persistent Pain and Discomfort

A customary indicator that your wisdom teeth need to be removed is ongoing irritation or pain in or near the back of your mouth. This pain can be dull, sharp, or throbbing and may worsen when chewing. If you experience persistent discomfort, it is best to consult Dr. Zhu to assess whether extraction is necessary. Left untreated, this pain can escalate and affect other teeth, leading to more extensive dental problems.

2. Inflammation and Swelling

Swelling in the gums near your wisdom teeth can be a symptom that you have impaction or an infection. When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly, they can become trapped beneath the gums, leading to painful swelling and potential infections. If you notice redness, tenderness, or puffiness, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing issues. Infections related to impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to fever, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

3. Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

Wisdom teeth can affect the alignment of your jaw, leading to stiffness and difficulty opening your mouth fully. This can make eating and speaking uncomfortable. Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, causing long-term discomfort. Ignoring this symptom can result in more severe jaw problems, making everyday activities like chewing and talking increasingly difficult.

4. Frequent Headaches or Ear Pain

Many patients are surprised to learn that wisdom teeth problems can manifest as headaches or ear pain. The pressure caused by impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can radiate pain to other areas of the face and head. Your wisdom teeth might be the culprit if you experience unexplained headaches or earaches. This discomfort is often due to pressure on nerves and nearby structures, leading to tension and persistent pain that won’t go away with simple remedies.

5. Crowding or Shifting Teeth

If you have noticed your previously straight teeth shifting or becoming crowded, your wisdom teeth may exert pressure on your other teeth. Since there is often insufficient space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they can push against adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment. Removing them can help preserve your smile’s alignment. Over time, this crowding can undo years of orthodontic work and lead to the need for braces or other corrective treatments again.

Please Call Us Today!

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is essential to seek professional dental care. At Pleasant Hill Dental, Dr. Cheng Zhu provides comprehensive evaluations and expert wisdom tooth extractions to help protect your oral health. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Schedule a consultation today by calling (925) 693-7077 or visiting www.pleasanthilldental.com.

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