Is Wisdom Teeth Removal a Dental Emergency?

A lot of the time, wisdom teeth don't cause any problems when erupting. Most people aren't even aware that their third molars are erupting or they are only experiencing mild swelling and discomfort.  

In other cases, however, wisdom teeth can create a lot of problems. Whether it's severe pain when they are erupting or they get infected because of tooth decay, the amount of discomfort they can create can be unbearable.  

But, will these issues require emergency dentistry? 

Let's find out! 

Do You Always Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth? 

The short answer is that it depends. This set of molars was needed thousands of years ago for humans to be able to properly chew their food. But, nowadays, our mouths can function very well without them too. So, we don't really need wisdom teeth anymore, but evolution hasn't caught up yet. 

The problem with wisdom teeth is that they often don't have enough space to erupt, so they push the other teeth away so they can get out. That can lead to alignment problems in the long term.  

If that's the case for you, then your dentist in Naperville will likely recommend an extraction. 

The position of the wisdom teeth can also influence the urgency of the procedure. If they are impacted, for example, your dentist will likely recommend you to get them out as soon as possible.  

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Emergency Extraction

Here are some of the signs that your wisdom teeth are impacted and you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.  

  • Inflammation and discomfort near the tooth 
  • Pain and sensitivity when you bite and chew 
  • Jaw pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Fever, although this symptom is not as common
  • Not being able to move the jaw properly 
  • Bleeding around your wisdom teeth

When wisdom teeth do not erupt fully and correctly, bacteria can accumulate between your teeth and the gum line. That's usually the cause of your discomfort. If you don't address this in time, then the bacteria accumulation can lead to infections.  

Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

Impacted wisdom teeth are usually extracted through minor surgery. The dentist will make an incision in the gum to open it. Then the bone that blocks the tooth root is removed and the tooth will be extracted by pieces until there is nothing left. 

If the tooth erupted properly, then it will be removed by pulling it out of the socket. 

Are Your Wisdom Teeth Bothering You? Make an Appointment Today! 

If you have any dental emergency, then you can count on Dr. Rohan Shah at Washington Dental Studio to treat you and help you feel better.  

You can book an appointment for other dental needs too as we offer various services, ranging from preventive to cosmetic dentistry and dental implants and crowns.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

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