Here’s When You Should Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

If you have wisdom teeth and are wondering if you should have them removed or not, then this article is just for you.

Wisdom teeth get their name because of how late they come in with some emerging in young adulthood. That being said, not everyone has wisdom teeth, but those that do may need them removed.

Before getting into all the signs that let you know if or when you need your wisdom teeth removed, here are three signs of healthy wisdom teeth:

3 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Healthy

It should be noted that wisdom teeth can move around and change, so while you may find that they are healthy today, that does not guarantee that they will remain healthy. With that being said, here are three signs your wisdom teeth are healthy:

• Fully Grown In—Your wisdom teeth should be fully visible and not fully or partially impacted.
• Can Be Cleaned Regularly—Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean at times and can often harbor germs. You should be able to clean your wisdom teeth without there being any obstructions in the way.
• Positioned Correctly—Wisdom teeth can often come in wrong or crowd other teeth. Your wisdom teeth should have proper spacing between them.

Oftentimes, wisdom teeth do not come in right or are fully or partially covered by your gums. While it is always best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon about the right course of action, here are some signs that your wisdom teeth should be removed:

6 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed

Keep in mind that many don’t experience any of these signs but still need to undergo wisdom teeth removal.

1. You Feel Pain in or Around Your Wisdom Teeth

As with anything, pain is usually a clear indicator that something is wrong. Even if your wisdom teeth have yet to emerge, they can still cause pain by pushing up against your other teeth. This can result in more problems down the road if your wisdom teeth are not removed right away, which is why it is best to contact an oral surgeon immediately if you are experiencing pain.

2. A Cyst Has Developed Around Your Wisdom Teeth

Cysts can damage your jawbone and need to be dealt with immediately. They can be identified as a fluid-filled sack that can at times turn purple. If you notice one forming around your wisdom teeth, make sure to consult with your oral surgeon.

3. You Are Experiencing Swollen or Inflamed Gums

Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause swelling which is a clear sign that something is wrong. Swollen gums can also make it difficult to clean your teeth, which could result in an infection.

4. You Have a Cavity in Your Wisdom Tooth

While there are ways to deal with a cavity other than removing the tooth, cavities in wisdom teeth are often a sign that you’re not able to properly clean them. This can especially be the case with crowded or impacted teeth, as germs can more easily hide and build up in such areas.

5. You Are Experiencing Problems with Your Sinuses 

In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause sinus problems such as congestion, pain, and pressure. Though there can be other causes of these problems, it is best to check with an oral surgeon to ensure that your wisdom teeth aren’t the culprit.

6. Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted

Impacted wisdom teeth are fairly common and occur when they don’t fully come in and are either partially or fully covered by the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can often push against other teeth and accumulate germs, which can be a clear sign that you should have them removed.

Conclusion

If you have wisdom teeth and are unsure of whether they should be removed or not, then it is best to speak with an oral surgeon. Even if they are in good condition, they may cause problems down the road, which is something that your oral surgeon can help assess and let you know if they should be removed.