A wake-up call for anyone who's been keeping a “ticking time bomb” in their mouth and still putting off getting it removed — just like I used to.
I had a wisdom tooth (#8) growing sideways at a 90-degree angle, pushing directly into my second molar (#7). I’d known it was impacted for two years already, but because I’m a coward and terrified of pain, I kept delaying it over and over again.
Until last week, when it suddenly swelled up badly. I developed gum inflammation around the tooth, the pain shot all the way up to my temple, I couldn’t eat or sleep, and tears were literally streaming down my face. Only then did I finally drag myself to a dental clinic near my house.
Before going in, I had mentally prepared myself for unbearable pain — but honestly, modern dentistry is incredible these days.
Looking back, I feel ridiculously foolish. I should have had it removed earlier and saved myself all that suffering. It would have hurt less and, more importantly, prevented damage to the neighboring tooth (#7).
So if your wisdom tooth has started hurting, or you already know it’s growing at an angle, my sincere advice is: get an X-ray and take care of it as soon as possible. Don’t underestimate it.