Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure in the United States — nearly 85% of adults have had these molars removed. Many people have the surgery when they’re teenagers, but there’s no set age when you must have it done. However, if your teeth become infected or impacted, you should have them removed. You’ll notice a few telltale signs when it’s time to schedule your procedure.

5 Symptoms Indicating You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Pain in the Back of Your Mouth

Your wisdom teeth, often called third molars, are located all the way in the back of your mouth. If you are feeling pain in this area, the teeth could be impacted, meaning they’re blocked by surrounding teeth.

Inflamed Gums 

Another painful sign you might need to have these permanent molars removed is inflammation in the gums. If your gums are always sore and bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing, it might be caused by your wisdom teeth.

Stiffness & Pain in the Jaw

As your wisdom teeth are beginning to come in, the rest of your teeth will shift around to make room for them. This affects your jaw as well, leading to pain and stiffness. This can go away once the teeth are fully grown, but removal might be warranted if the pain is extending across the jaw or it hinders you from opening your mouth fully.

Oral Cysts

If you have unaddressed symptoms of impacted or infected wisdom teeth and skip an appointment with the dentist, you’re at risk for developing painful cysts in your mouth. These cysts are sacs of fluid that can cause irreversible damage to the roots of neighboring teeth.

Sinus Issues

Your mouth, ears, and throat are all connected, meaning you might be able to blame your wisdom teeth for any sinus issues. If you have a sudden onset or increase in sinus pain, congestion, or pressure, you might need to visit your dentist.

If you’re having wisdom teeth pain and believe it’s time to have them removed, schedule an appointment at Dental Clinic of Stuttgart by calling (870) 551-3836. The Arkansas County dental office, led by Dr. Montgomery D. Heathman, helps every patient feel at ease in the dental chair. From tooth extractions and root canals to braces, they offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services that will keep your smile bright and healthy. Learn more about their services online.