What Are the First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In?
Dealing with wisdom teeth coming in can be a painful and lengthy experience. The process of wisdom teeth coming in can require oral surgery to prevent the pain that arrives shortly after.
It’s stressful; you’ll need your dental professional to guide you through the process.
When you think of wisdom teeth, it’s primarily associated with the potential discomfort and ice cream-fueled recovery process. Nobody wants to be sitting around waiting for their mouth to stop hurting, but sometimes it’s necessary!
So, how do you know the early signs of wisdom teeth? Let’s walk through the early stages, including the possible issues accompanying wisdom teeth.
Early Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
Wisdom teeth, despite their name, don’t offer much in the way of wisdom. They can, however, bring a great deal of pain if they’re not removed. An obvious first step is to get an X-ray done with your dental professional to get a closer look at the positioning of your wisdom teeth.
If you choose not to get an X-ray and are still wondering if your wisdom teeth are coming in, you may notice some early and unpleasant symptoms.
So, what are these early unpleasant symptoms of wisdom teeth? They can include:
- Swelling of the gums
- Jaw pain
- Bleeding or sensitive gums
- Bad breath
The pain, at first, is usually subtle, and you won’t experience consistent discomfort right away. Noticing sharper pain when trying to chew where the wisdom teeth are is a telltale sign they’re coming in. You’ll notice a sharper pain and possible fever if the wisdom teeth start breaking through the gums.
There can be cause for concern and more serious dental problems with wisdom teeth if your symptoms are worse than listed above.
Let’s take a look at some of those more severe symptoms.
Possible Issues of Wisdom Teeth
While the initial symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in can be mild, potential severe dental problems can arise from the process. When it comes to our teeth, we all want to avoid any potentially serious issues, which is why frequent dental check-ups are necessary.
Some signs that may indicate serious dental problems include:
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Sores on the inside of your mouth
- Consistent dry mouth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Persistent bleeding gums
- General gum or cheek swelling
Bleeding gums and other symptoms can indicate complications with wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth coming in at abnormal angles can push against your teeth and cause bleeding and inflammation; you want to be extra cautious with abnormal wisdom teeth!
To avoid any severe dental health complications, you’ll want to get in contact with your dental professional early and often. Not all wisdom teeth require removal, but it’s always good to be proactive regarding your dental health.
A quick response can accelerate the recovery process, but what exactly goes into the recovery process of wisdom teeth extraction? Let’s explore that now!
Recovery Process After Removal
If you have to get your wisdom teeth removed and the early signs turn into complete extraction, what does that recovery process look like, and how long can it take?
Your dental professional will perform the surgery. The recovery process usually takes about three to four days. The caveat is that more impacted teeth may take an entire week.
You’ll experience swelling where the teeth were removed and bleeding for about 24 hours. Use icy/hot packs and avoid talking too much to facilitate a quick recovery period.
Some things you’ll want to avoid to assist in a smooth recovery include:
- Smoking
- Spitting
- Eating hard to chew foods
- Overly stressful exercise
The recovery process can be uncomfortable, but it can save you a ton of stress down the road. Being proactive and cautious with dental health is always a good decision.
Being Smart About Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth process can be painful and confusing when it starts. If you start feeling discomfort and the early symptoms show themselves, it’s always wise to contact your dental professional with any concerns.
Book an appointment with your dental professional today for more information if you start feeling any early signs of your wisdom teeth coming in.