What Are the Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth can be a problem because many people don’t have room in their mouth for any more molars. If your wisdom tooth becomes impacted, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. Here’s what you need to know about impacted wisdom teeth and how they affect your oral health and hygiene.

What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has become trapped in your jaws or gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can be partially visible and partially covered by gums or may be fully covered by the gums.

What Are the Signs of An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Many people are unaware that they have impacted wisdom teeth and see no symptoms. Other people do notice symptoms but don’t know what they mean. Below are some of the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth:

• Swelling in the jaw
• Bleeding in the gums
• Pain in the area around the impacted tooth
• Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
• Bad breath

What Should You Do About An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Often, dentists will recommend that their patients have their impacted wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems like cavities, infection, and gum disease. To prevent this from happening, dentists will recommend extraction.

If you don’t want to have your wisdom tooth removed because it is not causing pain, your dentist may take a wait-and-see approach. It’s important to watch for signs of a problem and to contact your dentist if you start having pain in the area.

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you may need a tooth extraction in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment and find out more about what your dentist can do.