While some people are able to keep their wisdom teeth with no issues, others may experience unpleasant symptoms with the arrival of their third molars. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider wisdom teeth extraction, here are some of the signs to look out for.

Pain or Discomfort

One of the most common signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed is persistent pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth [1]. 

You might experience a dull ache or sharp sensation, especially when chewing or brushing your teeth. If the pain doesn’t improve, it’s time to have your teeth evaluated by an experienced dentist to determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Swelling and Infection

If you notice swelling around your jaw or gums, it could indicate an infection related to your wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth, which are unable to fully emerge through the gums, can lead to gum infections that cause pain, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Oral infections have the potential to be life-threatening, so if you suspect an infection, don’t wait to seek emergency dental care.

Impacted Teeth

Impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly, leaving them trapped beneath the gum line [2]. This can result in a variety of issues, including pain, crowding of other teeth, and even the formation of cysts.

Since impacted wisdom teeth can’t always be seen with the naked eye, dentists typically identify impacted wisdom teeth through X-rays. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction is almost always necessary.

Crowding of Other Teeth

If your wisdom teeth are coming in and causing your other teeth to shift or crowd, it can lead to misalignment and bite issues. This is particularly true if you have had orthodontic work in the past.

If you notice changes in your bite or overlapping teeth when your wisdom teeth come in, it’s time to consult your dentist about potential removal.

Cysts or Tumors

In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can damage your jawbone and surrounding teeth.

While rare, cysts or tumors can cause discomfort and damage. Regular dental check-ups can help in early detection, and if cysts are present, your dentist will likely recommend wisdom teeth removal.

Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

Chronic bad breath can stem from the buildup of food particles and bacteria around partially erupted wisdom teeth trapped in the gum tissue [3]. If improved oral hygiene doesn’t alleviate this issue, or this symptom is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it could indicate an infection.

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly and typically need to be removed. If you have persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it’s time to see your dentist.

Ask Your Dentist About Wisdom Tooth Removal

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it’s crucial to recognize the signs that might indicate a problem. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the condition of your wisdom teeth before they cause significant discomfort or complications.

If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, contact your dentist to discuss potential treatment options, including extraction. By being proactive, you can protect your oral health and prevent future problems with your smile.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/impacted-wisdom-teeth  
3. https://www.ada.org/sitecore/content/ADA-Organization/ADA/MouthHealthy/home/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth?sc_lang=en 

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First Step: What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most people will get. Typically erupting around the age of 16, these are the teeth that are last in the arch of the mouth. Some people might not have the teeth erupt or develop, but most people will have wisdom teeth at some point. The way that the teeth erupt will determine whether you will need to have them removed or not. An X-ray is sometimes used to determine if the teeth are developing properly and to show the dentist the direction that the teeth are growing. There are potential for up to four total, and one, two or all four could need to be removed.

Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Some people can go through life without even knowing their wisdom teeth are in their mouth. If the teeth come through the gum line in a clean fashion without causing any damage to the adjacent teeth or the gum line, then there is usually no cause for removal. When the tooth is only partially through the gum line, there is a possibility for bacteria to grow between the tooth and gum. This is when the tooth, or teeth, will need to be removed. There is a soft tissue that grows when the tooth only erupts part of the way, and this is where the bacteria can develop. It can cause a bad taste in the mouth as well as bad breath. Pain can also be associated with the teeth only partially erupting.

Another reason to consider wisdom teeth removal is if they are growing at an angle. When the teeth develop, they might not have room to grow straight up in order to erupt through the gum line. The teeth will begin growing at an angle, moving under the adjacent tooth. This is the most common reason for pain from the wisdom teeth and normally when you might realize they have developed.  The dentist can see on the X-ray how far underneath the adjacent tooth the wisdom tooth is growing to determine the best method of removal. When the teeth are extracted, they are typically cut out through an outpatient procedure.

While odds are that a large portion of people will need wison teeth to be extracted at some point in their lives, your dentist can provide the necessary exam and x-rays to give you a better idea of if and when this might apply to you.

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