If you are wondering how do I know if I have wisdom teeth, start by gently checking the very back of your mouth for sore bumps or molars breaking through the gums, then confirm it with dental x-rays from an oral surgeon or dentist. For teens, young adults, or anyone unsure whether wisdom teeth are coming in, this quick guide explains what you can look for at home, the common signs of growth like discomfort and gum bulges, and when a dental professional needs to verify what is happening. Knowing sooner can help you make sense of pain at the back of your mouth and prepare for possible treatment or removal before bigger problems develop.
How to Tell If You Have Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
The answer is simple, and complicated. The majority of people have wisdom teeth in their mouth and experience their sometimes painful growth between ages 17 and 25, when they are the last of the permanent teeth to emerge. For others, it is perfectly natural to have no wisdom teeth at all, or even 1 or 2 instead of all four, and about 35% of people are born without them. One way to know without visiting the dentist is to explore your mouth gently at home. Looking in the back of your mouth behind the second molars, are there visible molars or sore spots? Do they bulge on top or cause you discomfort? Common signs and wisdom teeth symptoms include wisdom teeth coming in with wisdom teeth pain, swelling in the gum tissue, and tenderness near the gum line. Persistent pain, jaw stiffness, or limited jaw movement, including difficulty opening the mouth, can point to impacted wisdom teeth and may also signal the need to focus on keeping your jaw healthy as you age. For some, the wisdom teeth may even break through the gums without you feeling pain or immediately noticing. A partial eruption can leave a gum flap that traps food particles and causes bad breath, persistent bad breath, or an unpleasant taste, and this can lead to pericoronitis and post-extraction complications such as dry socket after wisdom teeth removal. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow at awkward angles, press on surrounding teeth or adjacent teeth, and contribute to crowding of nearby teeth or front teeth, leading to many of the issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth. They can also damage healthy teeth, including adult teeth like the second molars, and may lead to dental problems or infection if left untreated, which is why many patients ultimately need wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT. Be sure to wash your hands and then take a look and see if you can sense the molars growing.
If you can’t tell on your own, it is possible that you don’t have wisdom teeth, or they may simply be below the gum line and still cause symptoms of wisdom teeth or other dental complications. However, there is no need for concern as long as you are not in any kind of discomfort. On the same note, the next time you get x-rays with your oral surgeon, ask them to let you know if you have wisdom teeth that they can see. This will give you a good idea of what to expect in your future. Seek a dental evaluation if you notice common symptoms such as swelling, fever, or tooth pain in the back of the mouth, since an oral surgeon plays a key role in your overall health and wellness.
Conclusion: The Importance of Oral Health
Rest assured, if you need wisdom teeth surgery or are beginning to sense the presence of your third molars, Shawn B. Davis at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, which also offers oral surgery in Mesquite, NV, will take care of you and any concerns that you have! On the same note, the next time you get x-rays, keep in mind they can reveal wisdom teeth development as early as age 10 and support a proper evaluation. An oral and maxillofacial specialist, including a maxillofacial surgeon, may also use Cone Beam CT scans for a more precise view and a personalized treatment plan. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed if the teeth are healthy, there is enough room, and they can be kept clean with good oral hygiene and oral hygiene habits, but for some young adults, such as prospective missionaries, wisdom teeth removal for missionaries can help avoid dental problems while away from home. However, wisdom tooth removal is often recommended to prevent future complications when problematic wisdom teeth threaten neighboring teeth or overall oral health, and planning ahead for foods you can eat after wisdom teeth surgery can make recovery more comfortable. Contact us today: (435) 238-7083