Dentists near Los Gatos and Campbell see patients every day who come in complaining of sharp pain from impacted wisdom teeth. While pain is generally a sign that it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed, many patients who are at high risk for major dental problems caused by wisdom teeth experience no symptoms at all. Be sure to visit your dentist as soon as your wisdom teeth begin to come in, and watch out for these signs that it may be time to remove them.
Painful Sinuses
If you have been experiencing sinus pain, pressure, and congestion, it may be time to discuss wisdom teeth removal with your dentist. The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are located close to the sinuses. If the area around the tooth becomes infected, an oral condition called pericoronitis occurs. Unfortunately, the infection can sometimes spread to the sinus cavities, causing sinus headaches and congestion.
Jaw Damage
Have you noticed cysts forming around your wisdom teeth as they begin to grow in? Some cysts cause no pain at all, leading sufferers to believe they will be fine without a trip to the dentist for wisdom teeth removal. However, if these cysts are left untreated, they can hollow out the jaw and cause lasting nerve damage.
Inflamed Gums
Whether due to gingivitis or impacted wisdom teeth, inflamed gums almost always warrant a trip to the dentist. If your gums have become swollen and difficult to clean, your dentist may advise removing your wisdom teeth, as this problem is unlikely to disappear on its own. Swollen gums can also help bacteria flourish, leading to cavities.
Altered Alignment
When wisdom teeth erupt, they often exert pressure on the other teeth. Unfortunately, that pressure can cause misalignment, especially in patients who have already had their teeth aligned with braces. If left unchecked, wisdom teeth can even compromise dental work like crowns, bridges, and partial dentures. If your wisdom teeth are causing issues with your preexisting dental work, contact your dentist right away to discuss removal.
