Are Your Wisdom Teeth Giving You Trouble? Look Out for These Signs of Impaction

Posted by Asad Abbas on April 7th, 2023

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. For some people, these teeth grow in smoothly and without complications. However, for many others, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge from the gums due to a lack of space in the mouth.

If you're experiencing discomfort or pain in the back of your mouth, it's possible that your wisdom teeth are impacted. Here are some signs to look out for:

Pain or discomfort:  Impacted Wisdom Teeth can cause pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, near the molars. The pain may be constant or only occur when chewing or biting down.

Swelling or redness: If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may notice swelling or redness in the gums around the affected area. This can be a sign of infection or inflammation.

Bad breath: If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it can be difficult to keep the area clean. This can lead to bacteria buildup and bad breath.

Jaw stiffness: Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause jaw stiffness or soreness. This can make it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew comfortably.

Headaches: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches, particularly in the temples or back of the head.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist or oral surgeon. They can examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend having them removed. This is a common procedure that is typically done under local anesthesia or sedation. Recovery time varies, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.