When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

We’ve all heard a similar story at some point: a friend suddenly looks like a chipmunk, subsisting on a diet of yogurt and soup for a week. The culprit? Wisdom teeth removal.

While it’s a common rite of passage, wisdom tooth removal is not always necessary. So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth need to go? A dentist can give you the most definitive answer, but some common signs that it might be time for wisdom teeth removal include:

• Your wisdom teeth are growing in crooked (impacted).
• You’re experiencing pain in the back of your mouth.
• Food and debris are getting trapped around your molars.
• You’re developing gum disease.
• You have cavities in a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
• A cyst has formed around a wisdom tooth.

At Munster Distinctive Dentistry and Westville Distinctive Dentistry, we’ve guided numerous patients through this process. For over 35 years, our priority has been providing clear, compassionate dental care to our community in Northwest Indiana. Here are the signs to look for if you’re wondering about your wisdom teeth.

Why Your Wisdom Teeth Might Need to Go

Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are your last teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes they grow in without any issues, but often, there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to erupt properly. This can lead to a few common problems.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

One of the most frequent reasons for wisdom tooth removal is impaction. This means the teeth are trapped in your jawbone or gums, often growing in at an angle. This can lead to pain and even damage to the surrounding bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can also collect food and debris, often making them more prone to tooth decay or gum disease.

Pain, Infection, and Gum Disease

When wisdom teeth only partially emerge, they can create a flap of gum tissue that easily traps food and bacteria. This area tends to be difficult to clean, resulting in painful infections, swelling, jaw stiffness, or even a specific type of gum disease called pericoronitis. If you notice persistent pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth, this can be a clear signal to see your dentist.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt, they can still cause damage. An impacted tooth can push against neighboring molars, causing them to shift and creating alignment problems. In some cases, a cyst can form around the wisdom tooth, which has the potential to damage the jawbone, nerves, and nearby teeth if left untreated.

Do I Really Need Them Removed?

Though removal is common, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth taken out. If they are healthy, have fully grown in, are positioned correctly, and are able to be cleaned properly as part of your daily hygiene routine, they can likely remain without issue.

However, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventative measure, even if they aren’t causing problems yet. Such suggestions are often for younger patients, typically those in their teens to early twenties, because the tooth roots are not fully developed. This allows the extraction procedure to be simpler and the recovery time shorter.

Your Next Steps for Your Wisdom Teeth

The only way to know for sure if your wisdom teeth should be removed is to consult a dental professional. A dentist can take X-rays to see the exact position and condition of your wisdom teeth and recommend a course of action tailored to your particular situation.

At Munster Distinctive Dentistry and Westville Distinctive Dentistry, we use advanced technology to get a clear picture of your oral health. If extraction is necessary, our team has significant experience in oral surgery, and we offer sedation dentistry options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Don’t wait for pain to become a problem. Schedule a consultation today to have your wisdom teeth evaluated by our team and determine the best course of action for you.