7 Signs It's Time to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

 You've heard the horror stories about wisdom teeth.

People complaining they're breaking through and that they must be extracted.

But you're not 100% certain — are wisdom teeth bad?

What are the signs that they've got to go?

Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Here are the 7 warning signs to look out for to know when it's time to get your wisdom teeth removed.

First, What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Scholars believe we got wisdom teeth during the evolutionary process.

In their view, Wisdom teeth are how our ancestors could munch on raw meats, vegetables, and roots. 

But now, thanks to knives and forks, we don't need the extra chewing power, making our wisdom teeth obsolete. 

Wisdom teeth sit at the end of your jawline and grow in some people between the age of 10 and 25.

Most wisdom teeth problems occur when a person is 15 to 25 years old, and few people over 30 have issues with their wisdom teeth.

Not everyone gets wisdom teeth; 35% of the human population is born without.

People with wisdom teeth get four, one on each quadrant of their mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).

Some people live with their wisdom teeth forever, while others get them removed if any problems arise. 

But do you have to get your wisdom teeth out?

Warning signs include:

Inflamed Gums 

When a wisdom tooth sprouts, it can create a flap of gum tissue that stays next to the tooth.

This gum can trap small particles of food and bacteria, so the tissue around the teeth can become hard and inflamed. 

The scientific name of this is pericoronitis, and it can occur around wisdom teeth that are still beneath your gums.   

 If you notice this and suffer from persistent pain, be sure to drop by your local dentist, like All About Beautiful Smiles dental clinic, for a checkup.

Cavities

Looking for signs you need your wisdom teeth removed? Check for cavities.

Wisdom teeth may sit at awkward positions, making them difficult to brush and floss.

If they irritate the gums, bacteria can grow, which will promote the development of cavities and infection.

Sinus Issues

Not sure when to take out wisdom teeth?

If sinus problems arise, it's because teeth grow in the upper jaw.

When the teeth grow, and roots develop, they can push and rub against the sinuses and pressure them.

The sinus pain may not be frequent, but if you get random pressure, headaches, and congestions, the wisdom teeth may be the cause. 

Crooked Wisdom Teeth 

Another sign of when to get wisdom teeth out is incorrect growth.

There are cases when wisdom teeth grow and take up too much space in your mouth.

Or you may have "impacted" wisdom teeth, which means they don't have enough space to emerge from the gums and develop normally.

If you have swelling or stiffness in the jaw, bad breath, or difficulty opening your mouth, this is a potential cause.

Dental procedures can't straighten wisdom teeth, so when the mouth gets overcrowded, there isn't a procedure so they can fit together.

The only option is to get a dentist's opinion so they can decide which teeth to remove; it may be all or a few.

Cyst Forming Around Your Wisdom Tooth 

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid, and if one sits next to your wisdom tooth, it's a sign when to get wisdom teeth pulled. 

If the cyst goes untreated, it can destroy bones, roots, and surrounding structures.

In extreme cases, the cyst can turn into a tumor and require extra surgery.

Difficulty Eating 

Is it painful when you eat? 

This may be a sign to get your wisdom teeth extracted.

Food can easily get stuck in between the gums and the tops of your teeth.

And if you can't get to the back of the mouth and clean well, you could develop gum disease.

Please discuss with your dentist so they can recommend products to fix this problem and the best way to handle it.

You should also browse more information about wisdom teeth if you're unsure how to clean them properly.

If there are no solutions, extraction may be the only choice.

Pain 

When wisdom teeth grow, they result in aches and pains. Sound familiar?

Contact your dentist and book an examination and an x-ray.

They'll be able to determine if your wisdom teeth or other factors are causing pain.

Extractions aren't the only solution, sometimes the pain will correct itself, and your wisdom teeth will remain intact.  

What Happens During the Extraction Procedure?

So you've noticed these warning signs, and your dentist has recommended extraction. 

Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the procedure, and they will give you a local or general anesthetic.

This means you'll need a friend or family member to help post-surgery.

If you have to get them removed, it may be two at a time (all the top teeth or all of the top teeth), or all of them removed at once.

Depending on your case, the procedure can take one to several hours.

You'll also get aftercare with prescription medication for the pain.  

There are other helpful tips to recovery after wisdom teeth removal to check out.

And That's Our Answer to 'Are Wisdom Teeth Bad'?

You may wonder, 'are wisdom teeth bad?

But now you know they're not.

Having wisdom teeth doesn't mean they'll need to be extracted, but it's wise to ask for a dentist's opinion.

Be on the lookout for warning signs such as the difficulty of eating, cysts forming around your teeth, and whether you have sinus issues.

If that's the case, contact your dentist immediately.

Good luck!

Did you find this article helpful?

Check out more of our content on everything from pets to fitness.