Do you still have your wisdom teeth? For some reason, this one little question is quite the ice breaker. People talk about their post-surgery diet or joke around about the things said right after having their wisdom teeth removed. Some even pull out their smartphone and show everyone a video of their post-surgery antics. However, having impacted wisdom teeth is no joking matter. In fact, many dentists suggest having your wisdom teeth pulled before the problems begin.
Not everyone decides to take the advice given and many will end up waiting until removing their third set of molars/wisdom teeth is a must. If you still have your wisdom teeth, here are the most common warning signs that your wisdom teeth may be impacted and need to be removed.
SWOLLEN OR PAINFUL JAW
One of the most noticeable signs that your wisdom teeth have become impacted is a swollen or painful jaw. This pain may be noticeable when you bite down and usually generates in the back of the mouth near the affected area. If your wisdom teeth are the cause of the pain and swelling, the symptoms will only become worse and could even cause severe pain when trying to open your mouth.
SORE, SWOLLEN, OR BLEEDING GUMS
There are many different causes of sore, swollen, and bleeding gums such as gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause problems with your gums. If you are finding it difficult to floss and brush due to the pain or bleeding of your gums, you should give our office a call immediately.
HEADACHES
Headaches can be caused by a number of things: allergies, stress, lack of sleep, etc. However, headaches that become constant and don’t easily go away are more than your average headache. Headaches caused by impacted wisdom teeth are due to pain in the temporomandibular joint. As the pain increases, it radiates throughout your jaw to your head and face.
COMPLICATIONS OF IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH
Serious complications can occur if you choose to wait on getting your wisdom teeth pulled. Impacted wisdom teeth can push teeth out of place and cause alignment issues. They are likely to become infected, cause tooth decay, and gum disease. However, the most painful complication is that impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts which can cause nerve damage and severe pain.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH DR. REESE TODAY!
If your wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted, these symptoms will only become worse as the wisdom teeth continue to push their way to the surface. Don’t go another day with pain and discomfort. Call Dr. Paul Reese of Reese Family Dentistry at (870) 424-5900 to set up a consultation or fill out the Make an Appointment form so that he can find the root of your problem and discuss a plan of action.