While most people consider wisdom teeth to be just a rite of passage into adulthood, the late-arriving molars can sometimes bring more trouble than wisdom. If you have ever felt a sensation of pressure in the back of your mouth or heard the term wisdom teeth, you may be questioning what that means and when to take it seriously. If you’re looking for trusted wisdom teeth extractions in Glendale, AZ, you’re already a step closer to a healthy mouth. Whether you’re still in high school or just out, this is the sort of information that can spare you a lot of pain down the road. After all, it’s not like you want to deal with the discomfort or risk that comes with not having a trusted dentist in Glendale before you notice symptoms. In this blog, we’re going to talk about what impacted wisdom teeth are, the signs you should never ignore and when to go to the dentist.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually grow in between the ages of 17-25. They’re called “wisdom” teeth since they grow in at a later point when you’re supposed to be older and wiser.
Most adults grow four wisdom teeth: one in each corner of the mouth. But not everyone ends up with all four; some people end up with a few less, and some especially lucky ones don’t develop any!
If you are in search of a dental office, one of the first questions your provider will probably ask you during your next appointment is,
What Does It Mean When Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?
When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow in a normal way, they become impacted. This means they are stuck below the gum or against the position of other teeth, either completely or partially.
There are several types of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Mesial impaction- the tooth tilts forward towards the front of the mouth.
- Vertical impaction- the tooth is upright but cannot erupt properly.
- Horizontal impaction- the tooth is lying sideways, pressing against another tooth.
- Distal impaction- the tooth is tilting towards the back of the mouth.
Signs You May Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
You may not feel pain right away, even though your body is often sending warning signs. One of the more common signs of impacted wisdom teeth is discomfort or swelling at the back of your mouth.
1. Pain at the Back of the Mouth
A dull or sharp ache that won’t go away might indicate pressure from an erupting tooth. This kind of wisdom tooth pain can affect your eating, talking, and even sleeping.
2. Swelling or Redness
Swollen gums or irritation near the back molars is often caused by infection. A third molar trapped under the gum can create the perfect environment for bacteria.
3. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
Food and bacteria can get trapped around a partially erupted tooth. This buildup often leads to wisdom teeth problems, including bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
4. Trouble Opening Your Mouth
If it’s difficult or painful to open your mouth wide, the issue might be more than just soreness. It’s a good reason to visit a dentist for wisdom teeth evaluation right away.
5. Headaches or Ear Pain
An impacted tooth can apply pressure that radiates into the head or ears. It may be time to explore treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth if the pain spreads beyond your jaw.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait?
Even if your symptoms are mild or seem to disappear, impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious damage over time.
Common complications include:
- Shifting or crowding of nearby teeth
- Cysts or tumors that can damage the jawbone
- Tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas
- Gum infections, such as pericoronitis
You might be asking, Do I need to remove impacted wisdom teeth even if they’re not hurting? Yes—because waiting too long can turn a manageable issue into a major dental problem.
When to See a Dentist
See your dentist if you experience:
- Persistent jaw or gum pain
- Swelling in the back of the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Shifting of other teeth
- Infection or unpleasant taste
Knowing what happens if you ignore impacted wisdom teeth can save you from needing more invasive treatments later.
What to Expect at the Dentist
When you visit your dentist, they will likely take a panoramic X-ray to see the positioning of your wisdom teeth.
If the tooth needs to be removed:
- The procedure may involve local or general anesthesia
- Recovery typically lasts a few days to a week
- You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions for fast healing
Most wisdom tooth removal are quick, effective, and prevent long-term damage.
Don’t Let Wisdom Teeth Get the Last Word
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always show up with a warning. That’s why paying attention to your mouth and keeping up with regular dental visits is so important.
If you’re feeling any discomfort or have questions about your wisdom teeth, it’s always better to get professional advice sooner rather than later. Searching for an expert dental office near you? We recommend visiting us soon. At Dar Dental Care, we provide pain-free wisdom tooth removal. Rest assured, with us you are in safe hands.
Think your wisdom teeth might be causing trouble? Don’t wait—book a consultation with Dar Dental Care today and let us help you smile without worry!
