Your jaw’s been feeling a little off lately. Maybe there’s some pressure building up in the back of your mouth, or you’ve noticed swelling that won’t quit. These could be your wisdom teeth trying to tell you something important. At Berry & Berry Dental Associates, Dr. Jason Berry, Dr. Elizabeth Berry, and Dr. Adrienne Montgomery help patients navigate the often-confusing decision about wisdom teeth removal Granbury residents trust them to provide.
Most people develop wisdom teeth between 17 and 25, though some get them earlier or later. These third molars served our ancestors well when they needed extra chewing power for tougher foods, but modern jaws often don’t have enough space to accommodate them comfortably.
Pain and Discomfort That Won’t Go Away
The most obvious sign that something’s wrong is persistent pain in the back of your mouth. This discomfort might start as a dull ache that comes and goes, then gradually becomes more constant and intense. You might notice the pain radiating to your jaw or ear or even causing headaches that make you reach for pain relievers more often than usual.
Sometimes the pain shows up when chewing, especially on that side of your mouth. Other times it hits randomly throughout the day or wakes you up at night. Dr. Jason Berry often reminds patients that dental pain rarely resolves on its own—it’s your body’s way of flagging a problem that needs professional attention.
Swelling and Redness Around the Gums
When wisdom teeth try to break through your gums but don’t have enough room, inflammation becomes a real issue. You might see redness or swelling in the gum tissue at the back of your mouth. The area might feel tender to the touch, and sometimes you’ll notice the gum tissue looks puffy or raised.
This swelling can make it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew without discomfort. Sometimes, you might even see a flap of gum tissue partially covering the tooth, which can trap food particles and bacteria underneath.
Frequent Infections and Bad Breath
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create perfect hiding spots for bacteria. Food gets stuck in the tight spaces around these teeth, leading to infections that cause:
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth wide
These infections, called pericoronitis, can become serious if left untreated. Dr. Elizabeth Berry emphasizes that recurring infections require extraction before complications develop.
Crowding and Shifting of Other Teeth
Your wisdom teeth don’t always announce their arrival with pain. Sometimes they push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding that you might not immediately connect to wisdom teeth. You might notice your front teeth starting to overlap or shift after years of having a straight smile.
This crowding happens because wisdom teeth exert pressure as they try to erupt, essentially shoving your other teeth forward. The Berry & Berry Dental Associates team uses advanced imaging to assess how wisdom teeth affect your bite and overall dental alignment before recommending treatment options.
Cysts or Damage to Adjacent Teeth
In less common but more serious situations, wisdom teeth can develop cysts—fluid-filled sacs that form around the tooth. These cysts can damage the jawbone, nerves, or nearby teeth if they grow unchecked. Regular dental X-rays help catch these issues early, which is why Dr. Adrienne Montgomery stresses the importance of routine checkups.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also press against the roots of your second molars, potentially causing decay or root damage that might require additional procedures beyond simple extraction.
Jaw Stiffness and Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
When wisdom teeth create problems, your jaw joint might protest. You could experience stiffness, clicking, or popping sensations when you open and close your mouth. Some patients describe feeling like their jaw gets “stuck” or doesn’t open as wide as it used to.
This happens because inflammation from problematic wisdom teeth affects the surrounding muscles and joints. The discomfort can make eating certain foods challenging and affect your speech patterns.
What Happens During Your Consultation
The experts at Berry & Berry Dental Associates take a comprehensive approach to evaluating wisdom teeth. Your visit includes a thorough examination, digital X-rays to assess tooth position and root structure, and a detailed discussion about your symptoms and concerns. The team offers various sedation options to ensure comfort during necessary procedures.
Berry & Berry Dental Associates provides an in-house membership plan for patients concerned about costs, making dental care more accessible. This option helps many families maintain their oral health without insurance barriers standing in the way.
Get Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal in Granbury
Ignoring wisdom teeth problems rarely makes them disappear. Early intervention prevents complications like severe infections, damage to neighboring teeth, or more complex surgical needs. The experienced team at Berry & Berry Dental Associates combines expertise with compassionate care to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Whether you need wisdom teeth removal Granbury patients depend on, other oral surgery procedures, or restorative dentistry services, the practice offers comprehensive solutions under one roof.
Ready to address those nagging symptoms? Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile. The Berry & Berry Dental Associates team looks forward to helping you make the best decision for your dental health.