Wisdom teeth are the third molars, typically appearing between the ages of 15 and 25. Not everyone needs them removed, but many do. If you’ve noticed pain in the back of your mouth, tenderness, swelling, or even a new tooth poking through your gums, you may be wondering how to know when it’s time to get your wisdom teeth out.
At Leavitt Dentistry, our goal is to give our patients the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. If you’re considering whether it’s time to get your wisdom teeth out, keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth, signs they may need to be removed, and why early evaluation by Dr. Leavitt is key.
What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Do We Have Them?
In the distant past, wisdom teeth may have helped our ancestors chew raw plants, nuts, and meat. However, as humans have evolved over time, we don’t really need wisdom teeth anymore. In fact, most people’s mouths don’t have enough space for them. They can also become infected and cause decay in needed teeth!
Overcrowding and impactions make wisdom teeth extractions necessary for many people. Over the years, Dr. Leavitt has extracted countless patients’ wisdom teeth, his expertise ensuring a calm, comfortable experience.
Signs It Might Be Time to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to get your wisdom teeth out:
Pain or Discomfort
Wisdom teeth may cause pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth as they start coming in. It may feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or pressure. Neighboring teeth and gums may also be affected.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Another sign it might be time to get your wisdom teeth out is inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. This can also be a sign of infection, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.
Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
When there’s not enough room for your wisdom teeth, they may grow in at the wrong angle, crowding out your other teeth. This is known as impaction, which can put pressure on the surrounding jaw structure, affecting jaw movement and comfort.
Frequent Headaches or Earaches
Everything in your body is connected, which means that impacted teeth can cause referred pain in the head or ears. This is especially true when nerves are involved.
Red Flags: Signs of Impaction or Infection
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they don’t fully erupt or grow in at the wrong angle. Impacted teeth need to be removed to prevent complications like cysts, tumors, damage to the adjacent teeth, nerve damage, and infection.
Watch out for these symptoms of infection or impaction that may indicate it’s time to get your wisdom teeth out:
- Swelling in the face or jaw.
- Foul taste or bad breath.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Cyst formation near the tooth.
If you notice any of these signs, call Leavitt Dentistry right away to schedule a consultation and determine the best course of action.
When Wisdom Teeth Are Healthy and Can Stay
Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth out. Dr. Leavitt can assess your wisdom teeth to determine whether they’re impacting your oral health.
Here’s some of the things he will look for:
- Teeth have fully erupted and are aligned properly.
- There’s no pain, crowding, or decay.
- They’re easy to keep clean with brushing and flossing.
If you keep your wisdom teeth intact, regular dental checkups at our office are essential to monitor them over time and ensure your smile remains healthy.
Why Early Evaluation Is Important
At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand the importance of preventative care, which is why we encourage our patients to seek early wisdom teeth evaluations before symptoms appear. Using advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays, we can monitor wisdom teeth formation and positioning, reducing the risk of further issues.
If you’re in your late teens or early twenties, consider scheduling an evaluation at our office. Typically, the younger you are, the easier it is to remove your wisdom teeth and the smoother your recovery will be. Don’t wait until your wisdom teeth cause problems — save yourself the pain and stress by acting now.
Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out at Leavitt Dentistry
At Leavitt Dentistry, we’re committed to making the wisdom teeth extraction process as comfortable and convenient as possible. We can usually perform the procedure right in our office, the familiar environment putting you at ease. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the wisdom teeth removal process.
