Wisdom teeth can be a nuisance for some people when they don’t come in properly and end up causing problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, headaches, or infections.
It’s not uncommon for your dentist to recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed. However, many people don’t know the common signs that their wisdom teeth need to be removed.
The more you know about your wisdom teeth and what wisdom teeth symptoms to look for when it comes time to remove them, the easier your recovery will be!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last or third set of adult molars that usually come in after puberty between the ages of 17-21. The average person has four wisdom teeth, two on each side, and they can cause problems if they don’t have enough room to erupt into your mouth.
Today wisdom teeth are no longer totally necessary for the human diet, and they can even cause problems if they do come in crooked, not fully erupt, or don’t erupt at all.
What Are The Signs You Need To Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The most typical signs you should get your wisdom teeth removed are things like constant pain and discomfort, stiffness in the jaw, infection, sensitive spots in the mouth where they may be impacted, tooth decay and damage to other teeth, or swelling of gum tissue around them.
When your dentist recommends removing your third molars, they’re usually recommending the removal of all four. However, if you are unsure whether you need wisdom teeth removal, here are the top signs that help you know if the procedure is necessary and if you should discuss it with your dentist.
1- Wisdom Tooth Pain And Discomfort
One of the most common signs you need to get your wisdom teeth removed is continued pain or discomfort in your wisdom teeth or the area around your third molars. If you have ongoing pain in your mouth, it’s essential that you discuss with your dentist proper treatment.
2- Stiffness In The Jaw
Another common sign that you need to have wisdom tooth extraction is stiffness in the jaw. When your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they can cause tension and discomfort in the mouth as they push against other teeth and change their natural position, leading to jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness in your jaw.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw and it’s been going on for more than a few days, you may need your wisdom teeth pulled.
3- Tooth Decay And Damage To Surrounding Teeth
Like stiffness in your jaw caused by the pressure of incoming wisdom teeth and their likelihood to not emerge in the correct position, it can also put pressure on neighboring teeth and cause tooth decay and damage to the wisdom teeth and other teeth.
This often leads to pain, discomfort, or other issues in the mouth resulting in unnecessary dental procedures like crowns, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions. This indeed another sign that getting them removed is the best course of action for your oral health.
4- Gum Sensitivity
As your wisdom teeth move around below the gums and finally start to emerge, it can create inflammation in your mouth. This movement can cause your gum tissue to become sore and highly sensitive, leading to discomfort in the area around the wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing inflammation or pain in your gums or the area around the wisdom teeth that has continued for more than a few days, it may be time to have wisdom tooth removal.
Once your wisdom teeth start to erupt, it can also introduce bacteria and lead to the following symptom.
5- Ongoing Tooth Infections
If you have an ongoing tooth infection and your wisdom teeth are not removed, the condition can worsen. Impacted wisdom teeth may be causing bacteria to accumulate inside the tooth and below the gum causing infection of the surrounding tissue, which could then lead to more severe infections issues with your wisdom and other teeth.
The pain of ongoing tooth infection can be pretty severe, and often the symptoms are not very clear to identify as being from a wisdom tooth-related issue at all. However, wisdom tooth infections are a sure-fire sign that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, and you shouldn’t delay treatment.
6- Impacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth is a common sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth pulled. Impacted wisdom teeth can happen when they don’t emerge in the correct position but remain buried below the gums or erupt at an angle towards other nearby teeth.
If impacted wisdom teeth are not treated promptly, they can grow into the jaw, making them hard to extract later on.
7- Bad Breath & Bad Taste In The Mouth
Bad breath, bad taste in the mouth, and other oral health issues can all be wisdom teeth symptoms that you need wisdom teeth removal. Because it’s difficult to clean in the back of your mouth, it can lead to trapped food and bacteria accumulation which can cause bad breath related to your wisdom teeth.
8- Sinus Problems
If you are experiencing sinus problems like nasal congestion, headaches, and sinus pressure, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth need to come out. Your head can often feel congested and irritated because of the pressure on the upper jawbone from the roots of your wisdom teeth, which can push against the sinuses.
Being aware of the symptoms can help you know if you need to take the first steps towards wisdom tooth removal. If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms above, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Is It Time To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
You might be wondering, ‘Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?‘ We know it can be a tough decision, especially when you’re not sure what signs to look for. Maybe you’ve noticed a dull pain in the back of your mouth, or perhaps your jaw has felt stiff and sore. These could be signs that it’s time to say goodbye to your wisdom teeth. At Radiance Dental, we’re here to guide you through the process and make it as comfortable as possible. We’ve helped many residents in Camas, WA, just like you, regain their comfort and peace of mind by removing troublesome wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth can cause various problems for many people, from pain and discomfort to serious infections and damage to other teeth. If you experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness in the jaw, tooth decay, gum sensitivity, or ongoing tooth infections, it might be time to consider wisdom teeth removal. Remember that an impacted wisdom tooth, bad breath, or sinus problems can also be indicators that your wisdom teeth need to come out.
What to Expect at Radiance Dental
At Radiance Dental, we’re committed to providing you with the best care possible, starting with a comprehensive exam and X-rays to assess your condition. We offer sedation dentistry to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure, so you can get back to your daily life without the burden of troublesome wisdom teeth.
Don’t Wait, Contact Us Today
Don’t wait for the pain or discomfort to worsen. Contact us today at (360) 844-2141 to discuss your wisdom teeth removal options and set up an appointment. Your oral health and overall well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
