6 Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

The wisdom teeth are the last of our natural teeth to erupt in the mouth, normally during the late teen years or early twenties. However, through the course of man’s history, our jaws have shrunken, meaning we no longer have enough room in our mouth for a third pair of molars (wisdom teeth). Due to the extreme discomfort and other impacts, wisdom teeth can have on the rest of your mouth, they are normally extracted before they can do any serious damage.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Some patients can go about their normal lives, never worrying about their wisdom teeth. Patients who visit their dentists regularly might receive the recommendation to remove their wisdom teeth based on x-rays taken of the mouth. An extraction is required if wisdom teeth will cause overcrowding, put excess pressure on the other teeth as they move, or if the tooth is impacted.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your dentist about your wisdom teeth:

1. Straight teeth begin to shift and become crooked due to the pressure placed on neighboring teeth by the erupting wisdom tooth. This is called overcrowding.
2. The gum tissue around the erupting wisdom tooth is painfully swollen. Swelling can also be caused by overcrowding.
3. Pain at the site of the new wisdom tooth.
4. Pain and stiffness in the jaw, which can make in painful to chew foods such as meat and root vegetables.
5. Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
6. Gum infections at the back of the mouth and damage to surrounding teeth can be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth. A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room in the mouth for it to grow properly, and it begins to grow at an angle or in a different direction to the other teeth.

There is no reason to live in pain. Wisdom teeth removal is a common and quick procedure. If you are experiencing any pain or have questions about wisdom teeth removal, our team is here to help. Make an appointment with us today to receive an X-ray and develop an appropriate treatment plan.