Wisdom Teeth Specialist

When Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

For the majority of people, their wisdom teeth come in during their late teens or early twenties. This age can vary, however, since some people get them when they are younger, older, or do not get them at all. The most important signal that you need your wisdom teeth removed is not age, but rather if you experience any pain, gum swelling, infection, abscess, or if it starts to erupt. If you notice any of these symptoms, consider making an appointment to have your needs evaluated.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are two scenarios in which it would be necessary for your wisdom teeth to be removed: if the tooth is unable to emerge from your gums or if it can only emerge partially. If your tooth is trapped in your gums it will become impacted, which can then cause the formation of cysts around the tooth. This will then damage the surrounding nerves, roots, and bone. An impacted tooth may also damage surrounding teeth by pushing them, resulting in crowding and bite problems. In the case that the tooth can only partially emerge, it is likely that you will experience gum inflammation. This inflammation creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, causing gum disease and cavities. Not only will all of these issues harm your dental and overall health, but they will also result in a need for extra treatments, and therefore costs, that could be otherwise avoided by removing your wisdom teeth.

What Does It Mean If My Tooth Is “Impacted”?

A wisdom tooth is impacted if it does not have enough room to emerge and break through the gum fully. Impacted teeth are problematic because they can cause crowding and shifting of surrounding teeth, cavities, gum infection, or cysts.

What Is the Recovery Process?

While recovery time varies from patient to patient, the average time for full recovery is about 7-10 days. You can expect to return to certain everyday activities sooner—you can carefully brush your teeth after 24 hours and resume other activities, such as working and exercising, after a few days. The recovery process also includes following pain management directions from the dentist, which may involve icing your jaw or utilizing pain medication. While you recover it is normal to experience swelling, but if you experience anything you are unsure of, for instance dry sockets or bone spurs, contact our office and we will be able to examine the area.