The thought of wisdom teeth can be concerning. Wisdom teeth or third molars usually become a concern around the age of 18. These teeth can be impacted, or lead to gum infection, or a variety of other unpleasant issues. And only a small percentage of us are lucky enough to have our wisdom teeth erupt with incident. Today we wanted to discuss some of the signs you might experience with your wisdom teeth, especially if they are impacted.
Robert Rosenfeld DDS is proud to provide a variety of quality dental services to those around Solana Beach, CA. We strive to provide the education necessary so that you can recognize common issues early on. When it comes to the wisdom teeth, impaction is quite common. But catching impacted wisdom teeth early can help mitigate some of the painful symptoms. Keep reading to learn some of the most common signs of impacted wisdom teeth!
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the wisdom teeth (third molars) do not have the room to emerge/erupt fully. More often than not, the wisdom teeth get stuck on their way to fully emerging. When the wisdom teeth get blocked from emerging, they can begin to affect the surrounding areas. Two of the most common issues with wisdom teeth are :
- They can put pressure on surrounding teeth, or
- If partially emerge from the gums they can be the cause of a localized gum infection. Knowing the signs of impacted wisdom teeth can help prevent these complications from becoming anything more than a minor discomfort.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Red, Swollen Gums: The wisdom teeth often emerge partially, which can create a space near the tooth for bacteria to sneak under the gums and create irritation or infection.
- Swelling Near the Jaw: Along with pain and limited range of motion in the jaw, those with impacted wisdom teeth can also of experience swelling in the jaw region.
- Difficulty Opening and Closing your Mouth: With the potentially limited range of motion in the jaw, it becomes more difficult to open and close your mouth. This can make eating difficult.
Contact Robert Rosenfeld DDS Today!
If you’re seeking dental care around Solana Beach, CA, look no further than Robert Rosenfeld DDS! Call us today at 858-755-1189 to schedule a consultation! You can also contact us here.