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How to Know if Your Teen Has an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

How to Know if Your Teen Has an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Is your teenager dealing with what appears to be wisdom tooth pain? This common symptom is usually a clear sign that removal of these third molars is necessary, especially if they are impacted. When wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, it can lead to serious problems. Knowing what to look for and when to seek help is important in preventing your teen from experiencing lingering discomfort or potential issues with their healthy, fully erupted teeth. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth.

What Are the Warning Signs to Watch For?

If your teen or young adult is between the ages of 15-25, this common “rite of passage” may present unwelcome symptoms that require immediate assistance from a dental professional. These can include:

Severe Pain: Not only will they complain of pain in the jaw and teeth, but they will likely have issues with their temporomandibular joints, which are located on either side of the face and connect the jaw to the skull. It is also possible that this pain can be easily mistaken for sinus congestion because of the location of the upper third molars. If your teen complains of headaches, earaches, painful or bleeding gums, difficulty opening and closing their mouth, or tender glands, these are all signs of problematic wisdom teeth.

Inflamed and Bleeding Gums or Swollen Jaw: If you begin to notice that your teen’s jaw, neck or shoulder glands, sinuses, or face is swelling, or if their gums appear to be puffy and bleeding when brushing or flossing, it is time to see a dentist.

Bad Breath: If wisdom teeth somehow erupt only partially, it can be extremely difficult to clean them. As a result, bacteria and food particles can become trapped and cause tooth decay, gum disease, and/or bad breath.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Wisdom tooth extractions in Marysville are most often recommended for three reasons:

  • The mouth is narrow and does not have adequate space for additional teeth to erupt.
  • There is a high risk of cavity formation or gum disease because these teeth have partially erupted.
  • They are impacted and causing immense pain.

Impacted wisdom teeth are never a dental problem you want to ignore. If left untreated, these extra molars can begin to push against healthy teeth nearby, forcing them out of alignment. As a result, your teen may be faced with needing orthodontic treatment to fix their smile and prevent overcrowding, tooth decay, or gum disease.

Be sure to keep an eye out for these signs, and be sure to listen to your teen if they say they are experiencing the symptoms detailed above. As soon as you think their wisdom teeth are a problem, get in touch with a dentist right away. Acting fast will save everyone a lot of headaches in the future.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Giovine attended Western Washington University in Bellingham before later going on to the Oregon Health and Science University where he earned his doctorate. As one of three dentists at Allen Creek Family Dentistry, he and his colleagues want to help your child achieve relief from any pain or discomfort they might be feeling as a result of impacted wisdom teeth. Contact us via our website or by calling (360) 651-2900 to get the care your child need.

Location

6618 64th St. NE, Suite C, Marysville, WA 98270

Office Hours

MON 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

TUE 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

WED 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

THU 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: allencreekdentistry@gmail.com

Phone: (360) 651-2900