Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in adults. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 24 and are often removed during that time as well. Why are these teeth so frequently removed? Well, many times, wisdom teeth don’t have room to emerge and they become impacted which leads to severe pain and infection.
Many anthropologists believe that the human jaw structure has evolved because of how our eating habits have changed. We no longer need another set of teeth to grind down food like roots, leaves, nuts, and meat because we have methods of softening foods and utensils to help break it down. Therefore, the teeth oftentimes don’t have enough room to develop properly.
So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in? Read this blog to learn about the signs of developing wisdom teeth and how to know if they need to be removed.
Signs of Wisdom Teeth Development
Answer these nine questions to determine whether your wisdom teeth are coming in:
- Are you experiencing pain or tenderness in your jaw area?
- Are the gums around your back molars swollen and/or red?
- Do you have pain or soreness on the inside of your mouth near your back molars?
- Do you have frequent bad breath despite good oral hygiene habits?
- Is there a bad taste in your mouth when you bite down on food?
- Can you see any signs of new teeth trying to emerge through gums?
- Are you experiencing pain when chewing gum?
- Is pain or swelling interfering with swallowing?
- Do you feel like you have a sore throat or cold?
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions and the symptoms continue for more than 24 hours, it’s time to visit the dentist. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean your wisdom teeth need to be removed, but they definitely need to be evaluated. Your dentist can determine the trajectory of the wisdom teeth development to see if they will need to be extracted or if you are simply experiencing growing pains.
The symptoms may not even be linked to wisdom teeth but another oral health problem. When it comes to oral health problems, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Call a dentist near you today to schedule an initial consultation.
When Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Aside from humans having smaller jaws than they did hundreds of years ago, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted for several other reasons, including:
- Having crooked or crowded teeth
- Wisdom teeth growing in sideways
- An increase in tooth decay
- Excessive jaw pain
- Cysts and/or tumors under the gums
In many cases, wisdom teeth extraction allows patients to maintain a healthier, more beautiful smile.
If you believe your wisdom teeth need to be removed, be sure to choose the right dentist to complete the procedure. This is important for several reasons:
- He will only recommend the procedure when it’s absolutely necessary.
- He will ensure you’re comfortable and stress-free before, during, and after the procedure.
- He will offer safe dental sedation.
- You will feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of an experienced dentist.
Contact Our Experienced Dentist
Our Salt Lake City dentist, Dr. Rod Gleave is the dentist you can trust. At our dental office, we go above and beyond to create an environment that makes all patients feel welcome and comfortable. To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Gleave, call our office today at (801) 923-6406.
