How Will I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?

Model of a mouth showing wisdom teeth emerging at bad angles.
Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

The phrase “wisdom teeth” makes it sound like this is something you would want to have around. However, there are some situations where it’s better not to keep this third set of molars. You might have had friends who got their wisdom teeth removed and wonder if it’s something you should consider. The big question is how will you know when it’s time? Well, we have the answers!

Signs You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

There are a few different signs that it’s best to remove your wisdom teeth.

  • If your wisdom teeth only erupt from the gums part of the way it means they’re impacted. In this case it’s a good idea to get them extracted. Leaving them partially emerged can lead to infection, teeth or bone damage, and pain.
  • Your wisdom teeth may fully emerge but push against the nearby teeth. This can cause your other teeth to move out of alignment, which is another situation where we recommend removal. There simply may not be enough space in your mouth to fit them!
  • Other signs you need wisdom teeth removal include mouth pain, persistent ear aches or headaches, stiffness in the jaw, and cysts in your mouth.

When Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Unnecessary?

Despite how common wisdom teeth removal is, there are certain situations where you don’t have to get it done. For one, some people don’t even have wisdom teeth thanks to the work of genetics. Obviously, those people never have to worry about getting them taken out! Another example is if someone’s wisdom teeth have grown in perfectly, meaning there’s enough room in the jaw. If there are no issues with crowding, and the other teeth aren’t being damaged or shifted out of place, then removal isn’t needed.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Odenton, MD

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, it might be time to get your wisdom teeth removed. Even if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort, we can usually tell if your wisdom teeth will cause problems down the road. It’s always good to know for sure, so contact us at True Dental for an examination. We provide wisdom teeth extraction as part of our restorative dental services.

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