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What are wisdom teeth?
The last four molars on either side of the lower jaw are wisdom teeth. Depending on the individual, these typically erupt when a person is in their late teens or early twenties.
Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, these late-growing molars do have the potential to cause serious dental health issues for many people.
Wisdom teeth may erupt in incorrect positions and become impacted, which means that they won't fully emerge from the gums. There may also not be enough room in the jaw for them to grow, which leads to crowding and misalignment of the teeth in the surrounding area.
If your wisdom teeth are causing (or have the potential to cause) any of these types of problems in your mouth, your dentist will likely recommend that they be removed to preserve your oral health.
4 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
A problem with your wisdom teeth may manifest itself in the form of the following preliminary signs, which may indicate that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup.
Inflamed Gums
During the erupting process of your wisdom teeth, your gums may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch. If your wisdom teeth become infected during this process, you may need to have them extracted.
Sinus Issues
If you are experiencing unexplained sinus problems, it is possible that they are caused by erupting wisdom teeth. Sinus pain, pressure, and congestion can occur as a result of issues with the wisdom teeth.
Difficulty Eating
If you've started experiencing discomfort while eating, it's possible that your wisdom teeth are to blame. In addition to jaw and tooth pain, it is possible for food to become stuck between the gums and the erupting teeth, resulting in infection and pain.
Jaw & Tooth Pain
Pain or discomfort in your jaw, as well as in your other teeth, may result from the pressure exerted by your wisdom teeth as they grow.
Decay Prevention
Even if you don't have any problems with your wisdom teeth, such as impaction or crowding, your dentist may still recommend that you have them removed. This is due to the fact that they are located so far back in your mouth that it can be difficult to properly clean them, putting you at a higher risk for tooth decay.