A study performed in Europe found that up to 80% of young people have at least one wisdom tooth impacted. That means that the tooth is not able to completely emerge from the gum line. Impaction generally results from a lack of space in the jaw, but it may also occur if your wisdom teeth are improperly formed or positioned. Let’s look at the signs of wisdom teeth pain.
Signs of Wisdom Teeth Pain
Impaction is a major cause of wisdom teeth complications. However, multiple issues could result in someone experiencing problems with their wisdom teeth. Due to their position, wisdom teeth are also vulnerable to tooth decay and the surrounding gums are vulnerable to gingivitis.
Each situation has its own causes, but every complication with your wisdom teeth has the ability to turn into a potentially harmful condition if left untreated. To stop that from happening, let’s look at the ways you can identify wisdom tooth pain.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain isn’t as easy to identify as it sounds. Many people experience radiating pain, making the origin more difficult to place. Generally speaking, you’re more likely to notice jaw pain associated with your wisdom teeth while chewing or ingesting a liquid that is very hot or very cold. From there, the pain may spike outwards causing you to feel it radiate through the whole side of your face.
To be frank, this kind of pain is very difficult to ignore. You should take an over-the-counter pain medication, go on a soft diet, and contact your cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles immediately. You will likely need an emergency appointment within a day or so to deal with the core problem before the condition becomes worse.
Redness and Swelling
Infection commonly results from complications with your wisdom teeth. So you likely will notice your immune response kicking into gear. Inflammation proves a major part of this response. It helps to trap harmful pathogens, allowing your immune system to attack them under controlled circumstances. At the same time, the increased pressure elicits a pain response from your nerves, encouraging you to avoid using the injured area of your body.
If your wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissues have become infected, then you will likely see visible swelling. You may notice it in your gums, around your jaw, and even in your cheeks. This symptom likely indicates a serious infection and warrants an emergency appointment with your local dentist.
Unpleasant Tastes and Smells
Infection and decay both stink. If you’re noticing unpleasant tastes or smells that you just can’t get rid of in your oral cavity, then it is likely time to visit your dentist. It may not be your wisdom teeth, but it’s a clear sign that something is wrong and requires medical attention.
Recurring Sinus Issues
It isn’t uncommon for patients with wisdom teeth complications to complain of recurring headaches, runny nose, and sore throat. Also, it could come from increased pressure on the sinuses as a result of inflammation. It may also be a direct result of the spread of bacteria causing secondary infections. Neither is good for your long-term health, so you should always speak to a medical professional if you’re experiencing recurring health issues without clear cause.
Considering Wisdom Teeth Removal
The good news is that all of these symptoms can be quickly dealt with as long as you ask for help. If your health concern is associated with problematic wisdom teeth, your dentist will schedule you for wisdom teeth removal in Los Angeles. The procedure is simple with a relatively short healing period. If you’re concerned your wisdom teeth are causing complications for you, then talk to your Los Angeles dentist today.