When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

How Do You Know?

Wisdom teeth typically grow in during a patient’s late teens or early twenties. The wisdom teeth are your third molars, and they erupt much later than the rest of your teeth. In some cases, they can grow in without any issues if you have enough room in your mouth. In this case, removal is not necessary and it is safe to keep your wisdom teeth without any complications.

More commonly, though, wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort when they grow in. If they erupt improperly, they could also damage your surrounding teeth and harm your bite. When wisdom teeth become problematic, consider coming in for extractions, especially if you are experiencing these situations:  ‍

1. When You’re Experiencing Pain, Discomfort, And Other Symptoms Of Improper Growth‍

Wisdom teeth often become impacted when growing in, meaning that the tooth does not erupt all the way. This can lead to tooth and gum infections, and other complications that put your dental health at risk. Some of the symptoms that indicate that your wisdom teeth may be growing in improperly include:

• Pain and irritation around the wisdom teeth
• Difficulty eating or chewing with the rear molars
• Sinus pain, pressure and discomfort
• Swelling, irritation, and redness around the wisdom teeth

Your wisdom teeth should not be making you uncomfortable, or causing you pain. If they are, this is a sure sign that they are not growing in properly, and wisdom teeth extraction is likely the best option for protecting your oral health.‍

2. If Your Teeth Feel Like They’re Shifting Or Your Bite Is Changing‍

Even if you’re not feeling any pain or irritation, wisdom teeth can cause issues with your tooth alignment and bite when they grow in. If there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth to grow in, this can make your other teeth shift and cause them to become crowded or crooked.

This is especially common in those who have had orthodontic work performed, as their teeth typically won’t be able to move normally and accommodate the additional rear molars. To preserve your smile, it’s usually best to have your wisdom teeth removed.‍

‍3. Before You’re 30 Years Old‍

As a general rule, and if your wisdom teeth are causing you issues, they should be removed before you turn 30. This is because as you age, your wisdom teeth continue to bond more tightly with the jaw tissue and the bone becomes more dense, making them more difficult to remove.‍

Get A Consultation With Dr. Allen Today!‍

If you’re not sure about whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed, our friendly team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Allen can examine your mouth and determine if your wisdom teeth are healthy, and whether or not your mouth can accommodate them without your teeth shifting. Call us at (270) 842-0166, or come to our office to schedule a consultation. We’re located at 1716 Ashley Circle, Bowling Green, KY 42104.