Wisdom Teeth Removal: 6 Signs It’s Time
Your last teeth to develop are your third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth. And they come far later than the rest; often not erupting (breaking through your gum line) until you’re 17- to 25-years-old. Not everyone has wisdom teeth. And not everyone needs to have them removed. But here are some common reasons your dentist may recommend it.
Crowded Mouth
Some people simply don’t have room for additional molars. Crowding doesn’t stop wisdom teeth from erupting, though: The teeth force their way through, shifting your existing teeth to make room, often causing pain and pressure— and a change to the look of your smile.
Jaw Issues
A sore or stiff jaw may be a sign that it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth become impacted, which means they grow in at an angle and essentially become trapped, stuck below the surface of your gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in jaw pain, as well as cause infection, cysts, or tumors around your wisdom teeth. If you’re experiencing jaw issues, including difficulty opening your mouth, it’s important you talk to your dentist.
Inflamed and Swollen Gums
When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, soft gum tissue can form over the tooth. Bacteria, food, and plaque can easily get trapped underneath this tissue, and as you can imagine, irritates the gums.
Difficulty Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth pop up in the very back of the mouth, making it hard to brush and floss around them. Brushing and flossing can also be challenging when a wisdom tooth is tightly flush with its neighboring tooth. Poor oral hygiene, even when you’re doing your best, can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Sinus Issues
If you have wisdom teeth in your upper jaw, their roots can interfere with your sinuses, especially if they’re impacted. This interference can result in sinus pressure and pain, congestion, and headaches. If one of your wisdom teeth is infected, this infection can also spread to your sinuses, resulting in a severe sinus infections.
Preventative Measure
Many wisdom teeth develop without any problems. But problem-free wisdom teeth can still be suspectable to disease. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends young adults have their wisdom teeth assessed even if they aren’t experiencing problems to determine the best steps moving forward. Many parents tend to do this while their young adults are still on their health insurance and living at home. Talk to your dentist to determine if wisdom teeth removal is right for you or your loved one.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Questions?
If you’re a young adult (or parent of a young adult) with questions about wisdom teeth removal, the knowledgeable and caring team at Hammock Bay Dental is ready to help. We can evaluate your wisdom teeth status, pinpoint problems, and perform gentle wisdom teeth removal if needed.