Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Signs You Should Watch For

Wisdom teeth are the third molars found at the back of your mouth. Some people never face complications with their wisdom teeth; thus, no issues arise. In some cases, complications arise, and the teeth need to be removed. If you notice changes in your mouth and feel uncomfortable, your wisdom teeth are the likely cause.

Therefore, if you are a Renton, WA, resident, you need to know when a wisdom tooth removal procedure might be necessary. This is important to help you avoid potential dental complications in the future. Now, let’s review the key indicators to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Common Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

As your wisdom teeth come through late in your teenage years or young adulthood, they can sometimes cause discomfort. 

Some of the signs of discomfort indicating you need wisdom teeth removal in Renton are:

1. Pain or Swelling Around the Back of Your Mouth

One of the main signs that wisdom teeth may need to be removed is pain or swelling in the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth reside. This pain can be severe, throbbing, or constant, and may be worse when you are chewing.

2. Crowding or Shifting Teeth

Also, if your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle or pressing on other teeth, they might cause overcrowding in addition to shifting. All this might lead to misaligned teeth, which are more difficult to clean and can cause other problems such as cavities or gum disease.

3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

If you find it more difficult to open your mouth fully, it is possible that the issue arises from the improper growth of your wisdom teeth. The condition is also sometimes called “impacted wisdom teeth,” where the teeth can’t erupt properly due to insufficient space in the jaw.

4. Infection or Gum Disease

Partly erupted wisdom teeth often allow a pocket in your gums, which may trap food particles as well as bacteria, thus subjecting your gums to infections, pain, and bad breath. However, in case you witness redness as well as tenderness around your gum tissues near your wisdom teeth, you should seek advice from a dental professional.

5. Cysts or Tumors Around the Wisdom Teeth

There is also a possibility that cysts or tumors form around the impacted teeth, which may damage the jawbone or adjacent teeth. If you notice abnormal growths in your mouth, seek professional attention as soon as possible.

6. Headaches or Jaw Pain

If you have been feeling headaches or jaw pain, it is likely due to pressure from your wisdom teeth. This pain is likely to affect other areas of your face and neck, and you may also feel jaw stiffness.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Generally speaking, the process of wisdom teeth removal is quite easy, but the exact process may differ slightly depending on the level of impaction of your teeth. Knowing what to expect throughout the process helps alleviate any fear that may accompany this procedure. Here’s an overview of the process involved in the entire procedure for wisdom teeth removal:

1. Consultation and Evaluation

A careful examination will also be conducted by your dentist. Depending on the condition, your dentist may also use X-ray imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and decide whether they need to be removed and how they should be extracted.

2. Anesthesia Options

Depending on the complexity of the process of extracting the teeth in question, you can consult with your dentist on various types of anesthesia to consider. These can range from general anesthesia to sedation or local anesthesia. You will select an anesthesia type that suits your comfort level.

3. The Removal Procedure

During the process, the dentist removes the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, they may be broken down into pieces to make them easier to remove. The area is numbed to prevent pain.

4. Post-Removal Care

Once the procedure is complete, the dentist may advise the individual on how to care for the affected gums to minimize the risk of infection and promote speedy healing.

5. Follow-Up Appointments

A second appointment may be arranged to check your progress and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

It is important to take the necessary aftercare measures after having your wisdom teeth extracted. With the right aftercare measures, you are sure to have a speedy recovery and enhanced oral health. Here are the essential aftercare measures that you ought to be aware of:

Manage Swelling and Pain

Swollen tissues are normal after surgery. Apply an ice pack to your face where the tooth was extracted to reduce swelling for the next 24 hours or so. OTC pain relievers or prescribed medication are available to relieve pain.

Stick to Soft Foods

During the initial few days of your surgery, try to eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and smoothies. It is necessary to avoid hard, chewy foods that may be spicy or interfere with bone extraction after surgery.

Keep the Area Clean

Gargling the mouth with saltwater for the next 24 hours after surgery may be necessary to keep the mouth clean. However, the patient needs to be careful so as not to disrupt the blood clots formed during the initial stages of recovery.

Avoid Smoking and Straws

Moreover, smoking as well as straw usage could result in some kind of suction that could cause your blood clot to come out of your mouth. This could result in a painful condition known as dry socket. It would be best to refrain from these activities for maybe a few days.

Rest and Avoid Physical Activity

Take it easy for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities or exercise, as this could raise your heart rate or blood pressure, worsening swelling or bleeding.

Follow Up with Your Dentist

You should attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the healing progress is monitored. If you are having excessive bleeding, acute pain, or other concerns, you should contact the dentist for guidance.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Today

If you have been noticing some of the symptoms listed above, now is the time to consider a consultation for wisdom tooth removal. This could prevent more serious infections in the future.

Do not put it off any longer, waiting for complications with wisdom teeth to arise. Schedule an appointment with us at Aura Dentistry and Spa now to begin your journey to the best oral health. Our team is here to walk you through the entire process, helping you have the best and most comfortable recovery possible.

Questions People Ask About Wisdom Teeth Removal