Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

When wisdom teeth begin to come through, many are faced with the question of whether or not they need to have their wisdom teeth removed. While there are certainly instances where wisdom teeth removal is necessary, it is not always necessary.

Signs that you may need to remove wisdom teeth

By being able to assess whether or not wisdom teeth are causing more trouble than they are worth, you can make an informed decision on whether or not they need to be removed. With that said, it is important to consult with a dentist if any of these four signs are present.

Wisdom teeth affect other teeth

The main reason people need their wisdom teeth removed is that they affect and cause damage to other teeth. For individuals who have little extra space in their mouth, adding an extra set of molars can cause other teeth to shift in order for them to come through. As a result, it is fairly common for the breakthrough of wisdom teeth to lead to certain malocclusions, including overbites and crossbites. As wisdom teeth begin to come in, be sure to manage them and make sure that there are not any other teeth that begin to shift.

Cavities start to form

When wisdom teeth come in, it can make it more difficult to reach other teeth while brushing, especially the ones closest to the wisdom teeth. Subsequently, cavities can begin to form in these areas since they are harder to brush. After wisdom teeth come through, it is important to brush even more thoroughly than you did before they came through as there may be areas that are harder to access. Also, look for areas that are impossible to reach, and contact your local dentist if it becomes difficult to brush a certain area.

Gums become inflamed

Another major problem that can cause the need for wisdom teeth to be removed is when the gums become inflamed, which can be very problematic. While it is normal to have some swelling in the gums around the area of the wisdom teeth, any swelling of the gums that lasts for more than a couple weeks should be a call for concern. In the event that the inflammation of the gums becomes problematic after wisdom teeth grow in, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out if you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Jaw pain develops

One of the most important reasons for removing wisdom teeth is if they are causing jaw pain. In the event that jaw pain develops as a result of wisdom teeth coming through is left untreated, it can lead to cysts around the new teeth and can even cause nerve damage in the jaw. Be sure to contact your dentist immediately to see if you need your wisdom teeth removed if you begin to feel any pain in the jaw after your wisdom teeth start to come through.