Some statistics indicate that as many as 85% of the nation’s population has undergone wisdom teeth removal at their local dentist. Technically speaking, not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal, but most of us don’t have the needed space for our third molars to grow in comfortably. Many people get their wisdom teeth removed before they feel any symptoms because their dentist tells them they should. Dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal for good reason. Oftentimes wisdom teeth just don’t have the room to grow in or they get infected. In this Parkcrest Dental Group blog, we go over the factors and symptoms that indicate you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed. You should know, however, that only a dentist can tell you if you need this procedure or not.
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Symptoms to Look Out For
Wisdom teeth cause a fair amount of pain. The pain location and intensity varies depending on the person, but you will feel pain if your mouth is too small for wisdom teeth. People usually feel a dull and relatively constant pain near their jaw. Pain at the gum level differs, but it includes the sharp pain of teeth cutting through the gums and pressure on other teeth. Most people feel discomfort when chewing or touching their gums. Wisdom teeth can also give you bad breath and cause a bad taste to form in your mouth when you bite.
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What Causes These Pains?
Impacted teeth often cause the pain you feel in the back of your gums. Either your jaw or other teeth prevent your wisdom teeth from bursting through your gums properly. If have not had wisdom teeth removal, your teeth might come in partially and become stuck in your gums. This causes sharp pain in the area surrounding these teeth. If you choose not to do anything about this, the gums around your teeth can become infected with bacteria. Pain in your jaw occurs when your wisdom teeth cause your other teeth to crowd.
Your teeth often shift into the space in which wisdom teeth later erupt, and this can cause serious problems with your other molars. The bacteria of infected wisdom teeth can create cavities in nearby teeth. In rare cases, cysts will develop around a wisdom tooth as well.
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Talk to a Dentist about Wisdom Teeth Removal
Though not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal, most of us prevent oral health issues with the simple procedure. At Parkcrest Dental Group, any of our dentists in Springfield, MO, can determine whether you need the procedure or not. If you feel any of the pains mentioned above, you should contact a Parkcrest Dental Group dentist.
