One of the biggest factors why oral health concerns are allowed to progress severely before patients address them is because they’re unaware that there is a problem, or they underestimate the significance of certain symptoms. Fortunately, there’s opportunity in this fact; though the symptoms may seem minor and insignificant at first, they are present, and if you’re diligent, you can notice them early and take steps to address your oral health concern before it gets any worse.
1. Pain in or around your wisdom teeth
Wisdom tooth impaction is a common problem, though it isn’t something everyone will experience. It occurs when your third set of permanent molars attempts to develop and there is insufficient room at the ends of your dental ridges to accommodate them. You may have ample room and never develop a problem, or you may never develop a third set of molars at all. However, if you notice even the slightest discomfort at the back of one or both of your dental ridges, then you should schedule a visit to determine if it indicates the impaction of a wisdom tooth.
2. A discrepancy in your bite’s balance
The balance of your bite can indicate a number of different things, from the alignment of your teeth to symmetry of your jawbone and the function of your jaw’s joints and muscles. What matters most, however, is that all of these factors must be properly aligned for your bite to function and feel balanced correctly. If you notice that your bite feels off, or that your jaw has to compensate uncomfortably every time you bite and chew, it could indicate a potentially serious problem that may require surgery to correct. The longer it persists, the greater the impact the problem can have on your long-term oral health.
3. A tooth becoming noticeably loose
When your teeth are healthy, they should feel as secure as possible, without moving or shifting any whenever they’re placed under the pressure of your bite. When your teeth begin to feel loose, it may indicate a number of different potential conditions. However, the fact that one or more teeth are loose is a serious concern, as it may indicate that these teeth have lost a substantial amount of support from your periodontal tissues and/or jawbone structure.
Schedule a visit if you notice these signs
You can’t always predict when certain oral health concerns will develop, but if you’re diligent, you have a good chance of noticing their warning signs as early as possible. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
