Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Around 10 million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed every year. These third molars often create problems because most people’s mouths simply don’t have enough space for them.

Wisdom teeth typically appear between ages 17 and 25. When they grow in at odd angles or get trapped under the gums, they’re called impacted wisdom teeth. This can lead to pain, infections, and damage to nearby teeth.

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. But if you’re experiencing certain symptoms, it may be time to talk with your dentist about extraction. Here are the key warning signs to watch for.

9 Clear Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

1. Persistent Pain in the Back of Your Mouth

Pain near your back molars is often the first sign of wisdom tooth trouble. The discomfort might come and go, or it could be constant.

This pain happens when wisdom teeth try to push through your gums. Sometimes the teeth grow at wrong angles, pressing against your jaw or other teeth. Either way, the pain won’t go away on its own.

If you notice ongoing pain in this area, schedule a dental exam to check what’s causing it.

2. Swollen or Tender Gums

When wisdom teeth start breaking through your gums, they create a flap of tissue. This flap can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to swelling and tenderness.

Your gums might feel hot, tight, or irritated. This is similar to how babies feel when they’re teething. The difference is that wisdom teeth often grow in the wrong direction, so the irritation doesn’t stop.

If your gums stay swollen for more than a few days, you need professional help.

3. Headaches or Earaches

Wisdom tooth pain doesn’t always stay in your mouth. The discomfort can spread to your jaw, ears, and head.

When wisdom teeth create pressure in your jaw, that tension radiates outward. You might think you have a regular headache or ear infection. But if these symptoms keep coming back and start near your jaw, your wisdom teeth could be the real problem.

4. Jaw Pain or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

Wisdom teeth can change how your entire mouth fits together. If they push your other teeth out of place, your bite becomes misaligned.

This causes your jaw to work harder and hurt more. You might notice:

  • Stiffness when opening your mouth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Trouble closing your jaw completely

These jaw issues can get worse over time. They may even lead to TMJ problems if left untreated.

5. Teeth Crowding or Shift

Had straight teeth that suddenly look crooked? Wisdom teeth might be pushing them out of place.

Wisdom teeth don’t care if your mouth has room for them. They’ll push through anyway, shoving other teeth aside to make space. This is especially frustrating if you wore braces in the past.

Dental X-rays can show if wisdom teeth are about to cause crowding. Catching this early helps prevent the problem.

6. Trouble Eating or Chewing

If eating has become painful or difficult, wisdom teeth could be to blame. Food gets trapped behind wisdom teeth easily, causing infections and discomfort.

You might notice pain when you bite down or chew. Some people avoid eating on one side of their mouth because of the pain. This isn’t a good long-term solution.

7. Chronic Cavities or Infections in Back Teeth

The back of your mouth is hard to clean properly. When wisdom teeth grow in at odd angles or only partway through, they create pockets where bacteria can hide.

If you’re getting repeated cavities in your back molars, your wisdom teeth might be creating impossible-to-clean areas. These cavities often can’t be fixed with regular dental fillings because of where they’re located.

Regular dental cleanings help, but sometimes extraction is the only real fix.

8. Sinus Pressure or Congestion

This might seem odd, but upper wisdom teeth can affect your sinuses. The roots of these teeth sit very close to your sinus cavity.

When wisdom teeth grow too large or at wrong angles, they can push against your sinuses. This creates pressure that feels like a sinus infection. You might experience:

  • Feeling of fullness in your head
  • Pressure that doesn’t respond to allergy medicine
  • Pain that seems to come from your jaw

If your sinus issues don’t improve with normal treatment, oral cancer screening and examination can help identify the cause.

9. Cyst or Tumor Formation

In rare cases, fluid-filled sacs called cysts can form near impacted wisdom teeth. These cysts can damage your jawbone, nerves, and other teeth.

Even more rarely, tumors can develop. Both conditions require immediate attention from a dental professional.

If you notice any unusual growths or bumps in your mouth, get them checked right away. Intraoral pictures can help your dentist see exactly what’s happening.

When You Might Not Need Removal

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. You can keep your wisdom teeth if they are:

  • Fully grown in and healthy
  • Positioned correctly and biting properly
  • Easy to clean during regular brushing
  • Not causing pain or crowding

Your dentist can help you determine if your wisdom teeth are healthy enough to keep. Regular checkups are key to monitoring them.

Risk of Waiting Too Long

Some people put off wisdom teeth removal, hoping the problems will go away. But waiting too long can make things worse.

As you get older, wisdom teeth removal becomes more complicated. The risks include:

  • Bone loss around the tooth
  • Roots growing closer to nerves
  • Harder, denser jawbone that’s tougher to work with
  • Longer recovery times

Wisdom teeth removal is typically easier for young adults between 15 and 22. At this age, the roots aren’t fully formed and the bone is less dense.

Long-term problems from keeping problem wisdom teeth include:

Should You See a Dentist?

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, schedule a dental exam. Early evaluation can prevent bigger problems down the road.

Dentists use X-rays to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned. They can predict problems before they start causing pain. This is especially important for teenagers and young adults.

Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe. Regular dental visits help catch wisdom tooth issues early. Your dentist can create a treatment plan that works for your specific situation.

Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth even if they’re not currently causing problems. This preventive approach avoids future complications when removal might be harder.

Take the Next Step

Living with wisdom tooth pain affects your daily life. It makes eating difficult, disrupts your sleep, and can damage your other teeth.

If you recognize any of these warning signs, talk to your dentist about your options. They can examine your mouth, take X-rays, and recommend the best course of action.

Early treatment is almost always easier than waiting. Book a consultation to find out if wisdom teeth removal is right for you.

Your oral health matters. Don’t let wisdom tooth problems get worse when help is available.