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When wisdom teeth grow in, they can cause a variety of problems for your other teeth, and your oral health in general. Here, our Sheppard Yorkland dentists describe four signs that you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the 4 hindmost molars in humans. They typically appear in one’s late teens or early 20s.
Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, these late-growing molars can cause serious dental health problems for many people.
They may grow in the wrong positions and become impacted, meaning they don't erupt through the gums fully. There may also not be enough room in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth, resulting in crowding and misalignment of the surrounding teeth.
If your wisdom teeth are causing (or have the potential to cause) these types of problems in your mouth, your dentist will likely recommend removing them.
4 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
The following preliminary signs may indicate that there is a problem with your wisdom teeth, and that you should make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup.
Inflamed Gums
If your wisdom teeth become infected as they erupt, the gums around them may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch.
Sinus Issues
If you are experiencing unexplained sinus issues, they may be caused by erupting wisdom teeth. Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure and congestion.
Difficulty Eating
If you’ve started having discomfort while eating, your wisdom teeth could be the cause. In addition to jaw and tooth pain, it’s also possible for food to get stuck between the gums and the erupting teeth, causing infection.
Jaw & Tooth Pain
The pressure of the growing wisdom teeth may cause pain or discomfort in your jaws, and in your other teeth, too.
Decay Prevention
Even if you don’t experience issues like impaction and crowding, your dentist may still recommend having your wisdom teeth removed. This is because, since they’re situated so far back in your mouth, it can be quite difficult to clean them properly, putting you at a higher risk for tooth decay.