How to know if your wisdom tooth needs extraction already
Wisdom teeth grow last and aren't necessary for speech and chewing functions. This is why most people consider extracting them. In most cases, when they begin growing, they lead to misalignment of other teeth and the jaws. However, it's essential to find out how to know if your wisdom tooth needs extraction already.
Is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth?
Dentists and oral surgeons mainly recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth when they discover a problem that can worsen in the future. In most cases, wisdom teeth shouldn't be removed if:
- They ultimately grow in
- They grow in the right positions
- They don't disrupt biting
- They're healthy
How to know if your wisdom tooth needs extraction already?
Statistics show that approximately 5 million people get their wisdom teeth extracted due to various reasons, including dental health issues. Below are some signs to help you know your wisdom teeth need extraction:
1. Extreme pain
This is probably the first sign that you need your wisdom teeth extracted. If you're experiencing pain that doesn't end even after taking painkillers, brushing, or flossing, the next step is to consider extracting the teeth. However, before this, it's essential to visit a dentist to find out the actual cause of pain, especially if it's near the teeth.
2. Teeth crowding
Wisdom teeth tend to grow bigger than regular teeth, thus requiring more space. This makes them displace other existing teeth from their usual positions. This leads to teeth crowding which brings the need for their extraction.
3. Bleeding gums
If you notice that your mouth bleeds, especially when brushing your teeth, your wisdom teeth might be causing inflammation, especially when they begin growing. In this case, you'll need the teeth extracted.
4. Swollen gums
When you notice that your gums are swollen, it's essential to consider extracting the teeth. During the growth phase of wisdom teeth, you're likely to experience irritation in your gums. However, when the irritation becomes extreme such that you experience swollen gums, the teeth might be growing in the wrong direction, thus breaking through your gums. This causes a lot of pain and discomfort and calls for the removal of the teeth.
5. Presence of cysts
When you don't find a solution to your problematic wisdom teeth in advance, cysts will start forming in the mouth. These cysts can damage the jaws and mouth if immediate action is taken.
6. Jaw problems
Your jaws need to function properly to make chewing easier for proper digestion. However, if your jaw movements are disrupted, it means that there's a problem that needs urgent attention. You can resolve this by getting your wisdom teeth extracted.
In conclusion, these are the top signs on how to know your wisdom tooth needs extraction already. Every time you experience an abnormal feeling around your wisdom teeth, you should visit your dentist for further examination.