Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last out of the 32 adult teeth to emerge. Wisdom teeth are a back set of molars that typically show themselves between the ages of 17 and 21. However, some adults will not see their wisdom teeth until they are older and some may never have their wisdom teeth emerge. Many times, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow or have other complications where your dentist will recommend their removal. Left untreated, wisdom teeth that need to be removed can cause much harm to your gums, surrounding teeth and overall health.

Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, your wisdom teeth should be examined by your dentist:

• Swollen gums or jaw
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Bad breath or bad taste in mouth
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Headaches
• Infection in the gums

Wisdom Teeth Complications

• Impaction

  If your wisdom tooth has no room to grow, it may become impacted. When a tooth cannot grow in properly, it may push on surrounding teeth or grow in at an angle, causing pain or jaw problems.

• Partial eruption

  A tooth that only partially erupts can lead to infection above and below the gumline. If something keeps the wisdom tooth from fully emerging, bacteria can form, causing infection of the mouth.

• Tumors or cysts

  A tumor or cyst can develop when a tooth is impacted. This can cause a lot of pain and can also compromise the health of the surrounding teeth.

When Should a Wisdom Tooth be Removed?

Impaction, partial eruption, tumors and cysts are all reasons a wisdom tooth may need to be removed. Sometimes wisdom teeth come in sideways which can cause the need for removal. Also, if your jaw doesn’t have proper space for the wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend removal to prevent problems from forming down the road. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or cannot fully emerge, they may need to be removed surgically. If that is the case, an experienced oral surgeon will carefully remove your wisdom teeth. Your dentist can examine your wisdom teeth, take x-rays if needed and give you the best recommendations for treatment. If you need help with your wisdom teeth in Wake Forest, NC, our team is here to help! Call our office today to schedule an appointment.