If you are struggling with pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed. In many cases, there is insufficient space for them to grow properly, causing them to become impacted or trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth Lisle can lead to various dental issues, including pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
Here are some ways to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted and require removal:
- Pain or discomfort: One of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, jaw, or gums. This pain can be sharp, dull, or throbbing and may come and go or be constant. Pain may also occur when opening the mouth or when biting or chewing.
- Swelling or redness: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, redness, or inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissue. This can be a sign of infection, and you should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
- Difficulty opening the mouth: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it difficult to open your mouth fully, and you may experience stiffness or soreness in the jaw.
- Bad breath or taste in the mouth: If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, bacteria can build up in the surrounding area and cause bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- Crowding or shifting of other teeth: When wisdom teeth emerge, they can push against nearby teeth and cause them to shift or become crowded. This can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth treatment options
Here are some common treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth:
- Observation: If the impacted wisdom tooth is not causing any symptoms or complications, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend monitoring the tooth with regular check-ups and X-rays.
- Extraction: The most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is surgical extraction. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue and removing the tooth. Depending on the position of the tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove bone or cut the tooth into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is associated with an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection before performing an extraction.
After the surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to take proper care of the extraction site to promote healing and prevent complications. Here are some tips for post-operative care:
- Rest: It is important to rest for the first day after surgery to promote healing and reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Ice: Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Use the ice pack for 15-20 minutes, with at least an hour break in between.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw: Smoking and drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Avoid these activities for at least 24-48 hours after surgery.
If you experience these symptoms, seeing your oral surgeon at Doc Bram for an evaluation is advisable.
