Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are probably the most common reason in which patients have teeth extracted. An impacted tooth carries the risk of infections, pain, and swelling. There can also be more serious problems, including damage to other teeth, gum and tooth disease, and developing other related health complications. Are you wondering if you have an impacted wisdom tooth? Midway Family Dentistry has some common signs that you should look out for:

1. Jaw pain: Even though there are numerous issues that can cause jaw pain, one of the most common in young adults is impacted wisdom teeth. Jaw pain related to wisdom teeth can often be confused with TMJ or headaches. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and take x-rays or other advanced images. Images quickly provide insights into whether wisdom teeth are impacted.
2. Pain when chewing: Another common symptom is pain while chewing. In particular, patients experience soft tissue or tooth pain toward the back of the mouth along the gum line. If this occurs and all other teeth in the area are healthy, it’s important to take a look at the state of the wisdom teeth.
3. Bad tastes and odors: Bacteria can become trapped in the soft folds around wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted or have only partly emerged from the gums. As a result, infections can occur, cysts can develop, and any exposed tooth surface can be damaged. One of the telltale signs of decay and bacteria is a negative taste in the mouth. As it progresses, this can also develop into bad breath. Ick!
4. Sore and/or bleeding gums: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of side effects, including degrading overall dental health or even progressing to gum disease. Sore gums or bleeding gums, (either all the time or specifically when you’re brushing your teeth), indicates that something is wrong.
5. No wisdom teeth appearing: Wisdom teeth typically come through the gum in patients between the ages of 16 and 26. While this is not a symptom, many people actually become aware that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they simply fail to erupt. If you’re within or past the age range and don’t currently have wisdom teeth, it’s important to discuss this with your dentist.

If you notice any of these symptoms, call Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 678-393-1868.

Also, did you know, Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has been voted BEST of Alpharetta in 2014?

We’re located at 4928 Atlanta Hwy Alpharetta, GA 30004. Midway Family Dentistry serves as Alpharetta Dentistry, Atlanta Dentistry, Cummings Dentistry and Greater Atlanta area Dentistry.