Are your wisdom teeth coming in?

Are you experiencing pain in your mouth and wondering if your wisdom teeth are coming in? Or have you heard everyone talking about getting their wisdom teeth removed and just feel left out? Read on to understand what wisdom teeth are, predict if your wisdom teeth are coming in, and what to do if they are!

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, despite their unique name, are rather unnecessary. They are a third set of molars that grow in between the ages of 17 and 21 for some people. Wisdom teeth are not always functionals and if they are left to grow in, can cause problems and overcrowd your mouth.  The molars themselves are not problematic, but they can quickly lead to other problems. It is recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 16 and 19. It is best to get them removed sooner rather than later because the older you get, the harder the bones in your mouth will get. Usually your dentist will be the first to detect your wisdom teeth in a dental x-ray even before they emerge. However, some patients may experience symptoms that their wisdom teeth are coming in before their dentist advises them (or if you skipped your last dentist appointment!).

Symptoms that your wisdom teeth are coming in:

• Difficulty eating due to pain in the mouth.
• Swelling and bleeding of your gums.
• Jaw pain or sharp pains in your mouth.
• Bad taste or breath.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in. If you experience more painful symptoms, this may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are when there is not enough space for your teeth to emerge from the gums. This can cause swollen gums and difficulty opening your mouth. Other signs of a more serious dental problem include shifting teeth, receding gums, sores inside your mouth, or cracked teeth. If your wisdom teeth emerge and break the gum, you may even experience a fever and notice the piece of gum over the tooth being removed. Call your dentist if you experience any of these more serious symptoms.

What do I do if my wisdom teeth are coming in?

If you experience some symptoms that your wisdom teeth are coming and think you may need to get them removed soon, it is best to find a specialist in your area. The process may include an initial consultation, a procedure, and a follow up visit. The procedure is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Local or general anesthesia is used for the procedure as well. It can last between one to several hours depending on how many wisdom teeth are being removed. Your surgeon will make an incision to the gum, remove the bone that blocks the tooth, divide the tooth into sections, remove the tooth, and clean the site. When you wake up from the procedure your wound may be stitched to promote healing and gauze will be in your mouth to control bleeding.

With regular checkups and periodic x-rays, your dentist can help your wisdom teeth preparation and extraction go smoothly. With the proper care and treatment, you can avoid any wisdom teeth complications and have a quick recovery.

Learn more about wisdom teeth extractions at Simi Valley Perio on their website. Dr. Natasha Yashar is a  skilled dental surgeon and specializes in wisdom teeth extractions. Contact us today to schedule a visit with our team at Simi Valley Perio.

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