Do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth have fully emerged or are just beginning to appear, you may be wondering if you should get them removed. It’s a common belief that wisdom teeth should always be extracted, but that’s not always the case.

Here, we’ll go over some signs that you should get your wisdom teeth removed. Do you want a personalized assessment of your wisdom teeth in Austin? Request an appointment with us! Call: (512) 835-1924.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, and they’re the last set of teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth typically don’t appear until your late teens or early 20s.

Because wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth and they often don’t have enough room to fully emerge from the gums, they can become impacted or partially erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, problems with eating and speaking, and even permanent damage to other oral structures like gums or jawbones.

The good news is that your dentist can easily detect any potential wisdom tooth issues during your regular checkups before they become serious. So don’t skip your appointments — it will save you pain in the future!

Signs that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed

Do you need to get your wisdom teeth out? Pay attention to these signs:

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they can get stuck in the gums or jawbone. When this happens, they will grow at an angle, which can cause several problems in the long run. In severe cases, impacted teeth can damage adjacent teeth or affect the alignment of your bite.

When they don’t fully emerge, wisdom teeth can be extremely painful. They can also cause swelling, bleeding, and difficulty chewing and opening your mouth.

If you experience any discomfort in your jaw or in the back of your mouth, it could suggest a problem with one or more wisdom teeth. Talk to your dentist so that they can examine your mouth and determine if your wisdom teeth are causing the problem.

Tooth decay

When wisdom teeth don’t emerge properly, especially if they are crowded with other teeth, food and other particles can easily get trapped between them. In these situations, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, which can eventually lead to the formation of cavities.

If you have symptoms of tooth decay, such as toothache, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath, see your dentist as soon as possible!

Gum infection

Impacted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria, which can be very difficult to remove by yourself. This can eventually lead to an infection of the gums.

Signs of gum infection include:

• Pain around your back teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Tooth sensitivity
• Difficulty opening your mouth

Do these symptoms sound familiar? The sooner you get help, the better. Untreated gum disease can become very serious and cause damage to your jawbone and surrounding teeth. If you are in Austin, our caring dentists can help you overcome this and many other dental problems. Call us at (512) 835-1924 to book an appointment!

Crowded teeth

When there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, they can cause problems with tooth alignment.

If you have a set of teeth that are jammed together, it might be time to get your wisdom teeth out. Symptoms of crowded teeth often develop slowly and are difficult to detect, but you may notice overlapping or crooked teeth, difficulty flossing, jaw pain, and even bite problems.

Crowded teeth are not only an esthetic problem but they can also increase your risk of developing other issues, like cavities and gum disease.

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed

So do you need to get your wisdom teeth out? The answer is: it depends. If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are in the right position, there might be no need to remove them.

In general, wisdom teeth don’t pose any problems as long as they are in the right position, can be cleaned properly, and have enough space to come out without crowding surrounding teeth.

However, if your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow out of your gums, getting them extracted could prevent many problems in the future.

What to do if you need to get your wisdom teeth removed

Noticing your third molars coming out in the back of your mouth can be scary for some, but it doesn’t have to be. Wisdom teeth don’t always require extraction, and when they do, the process can be more comfortable and easier than you think.

If you feel like your wisdom teeth are causing problems, then it’s worth talking with your dentist. At Austin Dental, our experienced dentists can examine your mouth to find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed. If you need an extraction, they will address all your concerns and make sure you feel comfortable before the procedure.

Want to get a wisdom tooth assessment from caring and skilled dentists in Austin? Request an appointment today with us at either of our 2 locations. We are happy to help you maintain a healthy mouth!