The problem with wisdom teeth is that they don’t make you wiser or smarter, but they can cause some serious issues. If you are one of the unlucky ones who experience pain or infection while their wisdom teeth are emerging, you may want to see your dentist right away to get the appropriate treatment and some much-needed relief.
But, is wisdom tooth removal considered a dental emergency in Charlotte?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
There was a time (and by that we mean tens of thousands of years ago) when wisdom teeth played a vital role in our development. They were essential for helping us eat and chew our food.
But, since our diet evolved and doesn’t consist of raw food anymore, we don’t really need this set of third molars anymore. Our bodies are evolving too and about 35% of people are born without them.
For those who do get them, wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems when they emerge. This usually happens because the tooth doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge through the gums and becomes impacted. This can cause pressure, pain, and inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Wisdom teeth can also become infected or develop cysts, which can cause additional pain and damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
When is Wisdom Tooth Removal Considered a Dental Emergency?
In some cases, wisdom tooth removal may be considered a dental emergency. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or infection in the area around your wisdom teeth, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or abscess, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you have a fever, difficulty opening your mouth, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty breathing and swallowing, you should also look for urgent dental care. These symptoms may indicate a severe infection that needs to be treated right away.
However, if your wisdom tooth pain is not that severe and it’s not accompanied by these symptoms, then you can wait until your regular appointment to have it removed.
What Are The Risks of Waiting to Get My Wisdom Tooth Removed?
Even if extracting your wisdom tooth isn’t a dental emergency, you should still have it removed sooner rather than later.
Most of the time, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly and put pressure on the surrounding teeth, causing them to shift their position. This can lead to misalignments that will need lengthier and more complex treatment to fix.
Are You Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Call Us Right Away!
Whether it’s wisdom tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a tooth infection, or any other kind of dental emergency, the team at SouthEnd Dentistry can provide the help you need right away.
We know there’s no waiting when it comes to dental emergencies, so call us now at (704) 335-8266 to book your same-day appointment.
For regular appointments, you can also schedule with us here.
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