Growing a third set of molars during your late teens or early twenties is completely normal. When properly aligned, they can be left alone. However, wisdom teeth grow impacted or at odd angles, more often than not, because they struggle to properly break through the gums. When this happens, removal becomes necessary.
There are common signs that will let you know if removing your wisdom teeth would the better option. It’s better to tell your dentist about these or wait for the problem to escalate.
Teeth Become Crooked
Wisdom teeth that begin to move can cause other teeth to shift in the mouth, and should be removed by dentists. The wisdom teeth can cause crowding and can reduce the appearance of the alignment of your teeth. Crowded teeth can become more severe over time and can be costly to fix with braces that may be needed if the wisdom teeth are never removed.
Constant Pain
You may suffer from constant pain in your jaw and other teeth in the mouth due to the wisdom teeth. The pain can cause your gums to become sore and can make it difficult to eat foods that have a harder texture. The gums may also become infected due to food particles that become lodged in the gum flaps that cover the wisdom teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to gum disease over time. There is also a high risk of infections once the teeth erupt due to bacteria that can get into the gums. It may even be difficult to brush in the back of your mouth due to the pain and inflammation.
Sinus Issues
Many people have sinus issues that develop with congestion and pressure that you may be experienced due to nerves that are affected once the wisdom teeth become impacted. You may also notice jaw stiffness that makes it difficult to open your mouth as you talk or consume food.
Cysts in the Mouth
You may need immediate wisdom teeth removal if cysts develop in the mouth where sacs of fluid are present. The cysts can eventually cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth and can lead to tooth loss in the future. Fortunately, removing the teeth can cause the cysts to heal and will improve your oral health.
Even if you don’t experience any of these signs, it’s still wise to visit your dentist once your wisdom teeth start to come in. They can assess whether you would need tooth removal in the future.
Sources
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?, WebMD.com
Never Ignore Your Wisdom Teeth Symptoms, Crest.com
