Many people have a wisdom tooth extraction at some point in their lives, generally in late adolescence. Impacted wisdom teeth can create complications, which is why you should recognize when teeth need to come out. Look for the following symptoms if your wisdom teeth are erupting.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

1. Constant Pain

When teeth come in, there’s occasional pain involved. Persistent pain, however, means something is wrong. Sharp biting surfaces may cut your cheek, and you may have pain elsewhere in the mouth as teeth shift. To protect your teeth and achieve relief, a dentist will need to extract the problematic wisdom tooth—a common procedure that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.

2. Swelling

Impacted wisdom teeth can create an open wound in your mouth. As bacteria flood in, the area may swell or become inflamed. The gums will be tender, and pain may or may not exist. Regardless, this is a sign that the tooth is creating problems. Infections can spread throughout the gums, so schedule a tooth extraction as soon as you can.

3. Jaw Stiffness

As your mouth swells, it can interfere with jaw movement. You may have trouble eating, speaking, and more. This is usually a source of pain that radiates to the jaw joint and flares up when you move. A dentist can determine if tooth extraction is necessary and make sure any existing activity isn’t harming the adjacent rear molars.

If you’re unsure if you need a wisdom tooth extraction, turn to the team at Elm Dental Care. They offer a wide scope of general and cosmetic dentistry services, including root canal therapy, orthodontics, and gum disease treatment. They proudly serve St. Charles, MO, and welcome patients of all ages. Call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an exam and visit their website to learn more about the practice. You can connect on Facebook for news and health tips.