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Man having some pain in teeths

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems for patients, some of which can be quite serious. Here are some signs that you may have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be surgically removed.

  • Pain at the rear of the jaw: The impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort as they continue to try to push through the gums. Additionally, an infection or abscess in the wisdom teeth can cause pain for patients.
  • Swelling toward the back of the jaw: This may indicate the presence of infection, which is a common complication of impacted wisdom teeth. Swollen lymph nodes can also suggest wisdom tooth infection in combination with other symptoms.
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste: This symptom also can indicate bacteria buildup.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consult with an oral surgeon about treatment. Impacted wisdom teeth are typically removed in a surgical procedure because the bone around the teeth may need to be removed in order for the surgeon to access the teeth.

It’s impossible to predict when impacted wisdom teeth will become problematic, though, so many patients will not wait until they develop symptoms of wisdom teeth impaction before seeing an oral surgeon. With x-rays, impacted wisdom teeth can be detected in patients as young as their early teens. Many patients have their wisdom teeth extracted in their late teens or early twenties.

Patients who have chosen a preventive wisdom tooth extraction will reduce their risk of a number of consequences, including abscesses, cysts, and tumors, as well as damage to surrounding teeth. It is also better to have this procedure when you are younger than 25, as it is easier to remove the teeth in younger patients. The recovery also tends to be shorter and more predictable in younger patients.

Know the signs of impacted wisdom teeth so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact  Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery at 214-618-3070 to schedule a consultation.

Tomorrow’s Implant Dentistry Today