Impacted wisdom teeth are an oral health issue that most people will inevitably deal with. As they try to erupt, they can cause immense and constant pain; however, the pain may not always be due to the wisdom tooth. The dentists at Bellasera Family Dentistry in Matthews, NC, advise that it’s important to properly diagnose tooth pain and explain common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth and other potential causes of toothaches.

What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

When a wisdom tooth can’t push through the gums because there’s no space, it’s common to experience regular bleeding, especially if the tooth is partially through. Over time, the gums will become tender, and you’ll experience swelling and inflammation in the jaw and surrounding area. In the most serious cases, the swelling can affect jaw movement, and you’ll need to see a dentist right away for a wisdom tooth extraction. If this goes unaddressed, the open wounds can become infected and the wisdom tooth can cause the other teeth to shift.

What If It’s Not My Wisdom Teeth?

Toothaches can have numerous causes, some of which share common symptoms with impacted wisdom teeth. With decay or a root infection, you usually experience sharp, throbbing pain in the tooth rather than around it. This is also common with sensitivity, though not as extreme. You may also experience headaches or fever from a tooth or gum infection or pain when you move the jaw for TMJ-related issues. It’s impossible to accurately diagnose a toothache’s cause on your own, so always consult a dentist, especially if the ache lasts more than two days.

The sooner you see a dentist for a toothache, the better. If you’re feeling pain from a tooth, call (704) 321-7929 to schedule an exam with Bellasera Family Dentistry. Since 2015, Dr. Britton and Dr. Loker have helped patients achieve their ideal smile and address a variety of oral health issues. Whether it’s basic dental care or more extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, they believe in working on a personal level with each patient to ensure a comfortable experience and lasting results. To learn more about their practice, visit their website.