When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for the human species and haven’t been for a long time. Instead, they present problems and contribute to dental complications, causing many dental patients to need them removed.

Most dentists and oral surgeons will tell you that your wisdom teeth must come out as soon as they emerge, usually during a person’s late teens or early twenties. However, there are additional reasons and signs that it might be time to remove wisdom teeth.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out

Wisdom teeth aren’t necessary and often cause overcrowding of teeth in the mouth. So every time you go in for a routine cleaning and check-up, your dentist looks for various signs that it’s time for your wisdom teeth to come out.

Impaction

Impaction occurs when wisdom teeth grow but don’t fully emerge through the gums. Sometimes they grow crooked or at a weird angle, damaging or risking damage to healthy teeth next to them. This situation can cause jawbone cysts, infections, gum diseases, and even teeth growing 180 degrees in the wrong direction into the jaw. Sometimes patients begin to notice symptoms at this point, and sometimes they don’t.

Gum Inflammation

Food, bacteria, and plaque can become trapped underneath gum tissue near the wisdom teeth. If you experience swollen or painful gums, it’s a common sign that the wisdom teeth are impacted or have started emerging.

Stiff Jaw or Jaw Pain

Jaw stiffness is a common sign that wisdom teeth are putting pressure on the jaw. In fact, jaw immobility and stiffness can eventually cause jaw pain as the wisdom teeth continue to crowd and pressure the surrounding teeth. Any stiffness or discomfort of the jaw should be reported to a dentist or oral surgeon immediately. The human jaw generally doesn’t have space to hold more than 28 teeth, so wisdom teeth cannot correctly emerge without disrupting and harming healthy teeth.

Oral Cysts

Sometimes fluid-filled sacs form on oral tissues like gums or the jaw if impacted wisdom teeth are present. These sacs are called cysts, which can cause the roots of nearby teeth to rot and result in damage to the jawbone. Oral cysts may also turn into tumors that necessitate jaw surgery and additional invasive procedures.

Sensitivity, Pain, or Discomfort in the Back of the Mouth

Wisdom teeth removal may also be necessary if you experience pain, discomfort, or sensitivity near the back of the mouth when you brush your teeth. If brushing or chewing starts to frequently cause pain or other problems, see your dentist immediately, as it might be time to remove your wisdom teeth.

Adjacent Tooth Decay

Emerging wisdom teeth can disrupt and damage healthy teeth to the point of causing tooth decay. Healthy teeth get pushed out of place and exposed to dangerous bacteria in the mouth. If you ignore pain or sensitivities, your dental issues could worsen.

Do Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the dental professionals at Fullerton Oral Surgery can help. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Instead, contact us today by phone at 714-525-1178 or request an appointment online.