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Even if you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, you probably know plenty of people who have. But if yours haven’t been causing you any trouble, there’s nothing to worry about, right? Maybe not. Wisdom teeth do not always cause issues right away. In fact, these back teeth can quietly affect your gums, nearby teeth, and overall health without you even realizing it. Here are a few things you should know about wisdom teeth and your oral health!
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Are They Different?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They should come in during your late teens or early twenties, but because most of us do not have enough space in the jawbone, they frequently get stuck or don’t grow properly.
Even if your wisdom teeth do come in normally, they sit far back in the mouth. The strong chewing muscles on either side of your jaw can cover them when you open your mouth to brush and floss, making them very hard to keep clean. They’re also very difficult to monitor with X-rays and can be impossible to treat properly if they develop problems like cavities.
With all these factors together, wisdom teeth often end up being more trouble than they’re worth. They typically don’t add useful chewing surfaces, and can put other aspects of your oral health at risk. So how can you tell if your wisdom teeth are starting to cause problems?
Common Warning Signs of Problem Wisdom Teeth
Some wisdom tooth problems are easy to notice. Others are more subtle. Here are a few common warning signs of wisdom tooth problems:
- Pressure or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or tender gums behind the molars
- Frequent gum irritation or infection
- Jaw stiffness or soreness
- Headaches or ear pain
- Pain in nearby teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- A bad taste in the back of your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
- Sinus pressure or pain
Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can frequently cause problems without any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with routine dental visits and checkup X-rays, which let our team identify and resolve issues as early as possible.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems Even If They Do Not Hurt?
Yes. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can cause serious problems without immediate pain. In many cases, these issues build slowly without you realizing it. Impacted and partially-erupted wisdom teeth are especially tricky, as they can develop issues inside the jawbone without you even knowing they’re there.
Problems with Partially-Erupted Wisdom Teeth
A partially erupted wisdom tooth (meaning it only breaks through the gums a little bit) allows bacteria and food to get trapped under the gums, where they can’t be cleaned away. These teeth can develop infections and cavities that can become serious before they cause pain or symptoms.
Problems with Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are trapped under the gums or in the jawbone. In many cases, these teeth grow at an angle and press on the roots of nearby molars. This can damage the nerve of the tooth and cause bone loss in the socket that holds the tooth in place.
Problems with the Jawbone
Trapped wisdom teeth can also damage and weaken the jawbone, making it more susceptible to fractures. These teeth can develop cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or benign tumors that can destroy surrounding structures like bone tissue, nerves, and neighboring teeth.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?
Not necessarily. Some wisdom teeth grow in fully and stay healthy. These teeth may not need treatment if you can keep them clean and they don’t affect your other teeth. However, it’s important to closely monitor them for changes that can happen over time, even with wisdom teeth that once seemed fine.
In rare cases, it may be better to leave impacted wisdom teeth in place if removing them would involve more serious risks. At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we believe in always providing personalized care. We’ll carefully evaluate your oral health, including your jawbone anatomy and wisdom teeth, to determine the best way to protect your long-term oral health.
When Should You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In general, removing wisdom teeth early allows for a more predictable and less invasive surgery. Leaving them in place gives their roots time to grow and become securely attached, making it harder to remove the tooth.
It’s also a great idea to schedule wisdom tooth extractions when it’s convenient and planned, rather than waiting for it to become an emergency. We frequently recommend removing wisdom teeth:
- In the late teens or early twenties
- Before or shortly after orthodontic treatment
- When X-rays show risk to nearby teeth
- If you’re having trouble keeping them clean
- If they cause repeated gum infections
The summer before college is often a great time to schedule wisdom teeth extractions because it can become tricky and inconvenient to get done during university studies, especially if you’ll be moving away from home (and your usual dental team).
What Happens If You Don’t Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Waiting to remove your wisdom teeth doesn’t always cause problems. However, it can make treatment more difficult later. Bone tissue becomes denser with age, and the tooth roots continue to develop.
Younger patients typically heal faster and have fewer complications. This is one of the reasons we closely monitor developing wisdom teeth and recommend removing them early instead of waiting for pain or problems.
Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Phoenix and Gilbert? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re noticing signs of wisdom teeth problems or have questions, get in touch with our team! We’re happy to provide a thorough evaluation and explain whether your (or your child’s) wisdom teeth are likely to pose a risk.We’re proud to provide affordable wisdom teeth extractions in Phoenix and Gilbert. With safe and effective pain control including IV sedation, we ensure a completely comfortable experience. Get in touch with our team and give yourself the peace of mind that you won’t need to worry about problem wisdom teeth!
