Wisdom Teeth Removed: 5 Signs You May Need to Remove Yours

Although more than five million people have their wisdom teeth removed, not everyone needs to have this procedure performed. If the jaw has enough space and the wisdom teeth grow in right, they can likely stay put for life.

Wisdom teeth (otherwise known as third molars) typically emerge between 17-25. While for some individuals their wisdom teeth don’t cause any issues or discomfort, for many they can be an ongoing source of dental issues and discomfort. As part of maintaining optimal oral health, understanding which signs indicate you may need  your wisdom teeth removed is critical; we will look deeper at five signs that indicate it might be time to consider wisdom tooth extraction in this article.

Cysts or Tumors

In rare instances, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors, which are fluid-filled sacs or growths around impacted wisdom teeth that contain fluid-filled sacs that form around it and can damage neighboring teeth, gums and jawbone if left untreated. While cysts and tumors associated with wisdom teeth may be relatively uncommon, they can still cause severe complications that require surgical removal of any affected wisdom teeth.

Pain and Discomfort 

When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow in all the way, they may get stuck on the rear molars, becoming impacted. This may also occur if your wisdom teeth do not grow in straight.

One of the primary indicators that your wisdom teeth may require extraction is pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, such as persistent ache, sharp throbbing sensation or difficulty chewing. Typically this discomfort stems from wisdom teeth becoming impacted – they don’t have enough room to emerge properly – which puts pressure on adjacent teeth, gums and nerves, leading to inflammation and pain in surrounding structures.

Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling and inflammation around the gums in the back of your mouth could be a telltale sign that something is amiss with your wisdom teeth. This condition, known as pericoronitis, often arises when wisdom teeth only partially emerge through gum tissue, creating an area for bacteria and food particles to gather within gum tissue flaps that trap food particles and debris. Pericoronitis causes redness, tenderness and swelling around affected areas that makes opening or chewing painful; left untreated it could result in severe infections with more serious infections and complications

Difficulties Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

One sure sign that wisdom teeth need extraction is difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene. With wisdom teeth typically being located at the back of your mouth and difficult to access with toothbrush or floss, bacteria and plaque build-up may accumulate and increase your risk for decay, gum disease and oral infections – so if cleaning them adequately becomes challenging it may indicate extraction is needed to protect future dental issues.

Crowding of Teeth

Wisdom teeth may cause crowding or shifting of existing teeth when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for their arrival, forcing the new wisdom teeth into existing ones and pushing against neighboring ones, possibly leading to bite problems, crookedness or difficulty chewing. If this occurs for you it’s essential to contact your dentist to see if wisdom tooth extraction may be required in order to avoid further dental issues.

Call Cedar Walk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Awareness of the signs that indicate wisdom teeth should be extracted is essential to maintaining good oral health. If any of the following symptoms arise: pain, difficulty with oral hygiene, swelling, crowding of teeth or unusual growths – then consult with your dentist.  He will evaluate your wisdom teeth and suggest appropriate courses of action, including extraction if necessary to avoid further complications and preserve its appearance.

Whenever you have tooth pain or any other dental health concerns, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our dentists. Our experts will assess your dental health and find the best treatments to relieve your tooth pain fast. So, call our team today to find a convenient time to come in and see your options.