Signs You Might Need Your Wis­dom Teeth Removed

Most people have 4 wisdom teeth; 2 in the upper jaw and 2 in the lower jaw. Some people only have 2 in the upper or lower jaw and some people have none. In some cases, the teeth are able to emerge normally and don’t cause any problems, but there are some situations where there may not be enough space for the teeth.

This can lead to issues in your mouth and jaw. If there is no space for the teeth to emerge, the wisdom teeth might emerge at the wrong angle, hitting your rear molars. The wisdom teeth could also partially emerge, creating the ideal breeding ground for bacteria to build up. This might lead to infections and tooth decay.

The wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but they could also emerge much later. Your dentist will be able to monitor your wisdom teeth provided you attend regular checkups. X-rays will be able to track the movement of your wisdom teeth and allow your dentist to offer recommendations.

There are also a few signs that you should look out for. If you experience any of these issues, it might be time to visit the dentist for a checkup to determine if your wisdom teeth are to blame.

Common signs you need your wisdom teeth removed

Your wisdom teeth are located at the very back of your mouth, so issues with these teeth are usually felt in the jaw. Look out for the following signs and book an appointment with your dentist if you are concerned.

Pain in your mouth or jaw

The first sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted is often pain at the back of your mouth. This could be a sharp and stabbing pain, or it might be a dull ache in your jaw. Any new pain should always be investigated further as it is usually a sign that something is wrong.

Bleeding gums

If the gums at the back of your mouth bleed when you brush, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth have partially emerged. If you can feel part of a tooth concealed by your gum with your tongue, this is another sign that you need to get your wisdom teeth checked.

Swelling in your jaw

If you have extreme pain accompanied by swelling or stiffness in your jaw, this is a sign that you may have an infection or an abscess. This should be addressed as a matter of urgency, not least because this will be very painful. To prevent the spread of infection, it’s important to address this issue quickly.

Back taste or smell

If you often find you have a bad taste in your mouth, if your gums are oozing a bad-tasting liquid, or if you’re worried that you have a bad smell in your mouth, this is a sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth checked. This can mean that you have a partially emerged wisdom tooth that is allowing bacteria to build up. This might lead to a bad smell or a strange taste in your mouth. It could also mean that food is getting trapped in the gap and this will allow bacteria to build up.

Clicking in your jaw

If your jaw has developed a new click, or you feel like your jaw no longer fits together correctly, this could be a sign that you have an issue with your wisdom teeth. If you notice changes to your bite, or if your jaw starts to click when you eat, it would be worth visiting your dentist to find out more. It might not be your wisdom teeth, but an issue like this is worth investigating further.

How are wisdom teeth problems diagnosed?

Your dentist will inspect your mouth and jaw during a routine checkup. They might ask you questions about when you noticed the changes or if you have experienced any other symptoms. They will then use an X-ray machine to get a better picture of the position of your teeth. This will allow them to spot issues with your teeth, including wisdom teeth that may not have emerged yet.

The upper wisdom teeth are close to your sinuses, and your lower wisdom teeth are positioned close to a nerve that serves the lower jaw. During the X-ray, your dentist will determine if either are at risk of damage during an extraction. If you are deemed to be a high risk case, your dentist may carry out a CT scan before moving forward with your treatment plan.

Should I be worried about wisdom teeth removal?

No, this is a routine procedure that will help to put an end to any pain you might be experiencing. It will also protect your oral health from further complications.

While it might sound daunting, you will have the expert guidance of your dentist every step of the way. Once recovered, you will have no further issues related to your wisdom teeth, which can be a source of relief if you have been suffering with problems for a while.

If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with our team today.