There’s never a good time for your wisdom teeth to start giving you trouble, which is why Mark Stephens DMD advises preventative care. The Richmond, KY-based dentist encourages his patients to recognize symptoms they need their wisdom teeth taken out to address the problem as soon as possible.

To help you stay on top of your dental health, the family dentistry specialist lists some common indications you need wisdom tooth extraction.

5 Common Signs You Require Wisdom Teeth Extraction

1. Discomfort

Pain is often the first and most prominent sign of a problematic wisdom tooth and can cause you significant discomfort. While taking painkillers may bring temporary relief, the only long-term solution is to consult a dental expert and determine what’s causing the pain.

2. Infection

Infections typically occur when food particles get caught in the area where the wisdom tooth is trying to pop out from under the gums. Called pericoronitis, this condition can be quite painful and typically requires antibiotics to treat the infected area before extraction.

3. Swollen Gums

When they’re trying to erupt, it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to be hindered by the jawbone or gums. Pressure from the teeth not only contributes to soreness in your gums but also causes them to swell up and leads to cavities.

4. Sinus Problems

Problems stemming from a troublesome wisdom tooth go beyond the mouth and often lead to sinus issues. Pain originating from the affected tooth can create pressure in your sinuses and result in further discomfort due to congestion.

5. Cysts

If not pulled out in time, wisdom teeth can develop cysts around the jawbone and cause even greater damage. Without fast dental solutions from Mark Stephens DMD, these cysts can enter the bone and negatively impact the surrounding nerves.

Knowing these telltale signs of wisdom teeth problems will help you get quick and effective remedial solutions from Mark Stephens DMD. Set up an appointment with this top-rated Richmond dentist at (859) 626-0069, and visit their website for a complete list of his family dentistry services. You can also like the practice’s Facebook page to stay updated on their latest news.