How to Know If Your Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Needs to Be Removed
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last set of teeth to emerge but often cause problems due to their position at the back of the mouth. Vertical impacted wisdom teeth, in particular, can cause discomfort and may need to be removed. Here’s how to determine if your wisdom tooth needs to be taken out.
What Are Vertical Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Vertical impaction occurs when the tooth develops straight but doesn’t have enough space to emerge fully from the gum. Depending on the level of impaction, the tooth can grow partially or completely under the gum, causing inflammation, infection, and pain.
Signs That You Need to Remove Your Wisdom Tooth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s best to visit your dentist for a check-up:
Pain and Swelling
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and swelling around the affected area. The pain may intensify during chewing or biting, and the inflamed area may be tender to the touch. The swelling can sometimes cause difficulty in opening your mouth.
Foul Taste and Bad Breath
When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it can create a pocket of gum tissue that’s hard to clean, leading to an accumulation of food particles and bacteria. This can cause a foul taste or smell in your mouth, which is typically a sign of infection.
Difficulty in Opening Your Mouth
If your wisdom tooth is causing severe pain, you might find it challenging to open your mouth wide. This is often a sign that the inflammation and infection have spread beyond the wisdom tooth.
Difficulty in Eating
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause difficulty in chewing and biting, making it challenging to eat solid foods. If you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s best to consult with a dentist.
What to Expect During the Removal Process?
If your dentist and oral surgeon determine that your wisdom tooth needs to be removed, they’ll provide you with a treatment plan. The treatment plan includes pre-operative instructions that guide you on what to do before the appointment and postoperative instructions to aid in a quick recovery.
During the removal process, the oral surgeon will use local anesthesia or sedation to make you feel more comfortable. They will then make an incision in your gum tissue and remove the tooth.
Conclusion
Removing impacted wisdom teeth is a common procedure that’s often recommended to prevent further oral health problems. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to talk to your dentist and explore your options. Remember that early detection is key to preventing severe complications down the road.
