Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. For many dental patients, they remain under the gum line without disturbing the rest of the mouth—occasionally, however, wisdom teeth can start to shift in an attempt to grow into position. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that helps the remaining teeth align better and reduces the likelihood of decay or infection at the back of the mouth. If you still have these molars, whether they’ve breached your gums or not, these three signs will let you know when it’s time to schedule an appointment at your dental clinic. 

Top 3 Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

1. Pain

When you chew your food and drink cold beverages, you should not experience pain or irritation. Should you notice a throbbing or sharp pain in your wisdom teeth when eating, drinking, or simply going about your daily life, schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

2. Swollen Gums

In some cases, as wisdom teeth grow upwards, they can create an overlap in gum tissue around neighboring teeth. As you eat and drink, food particles, sugars, or acids can get stuck in this flap, causing inflammation and even gum disease that makes the area swollen, sensitive, and a deep red color. 

3. Shifting Teeth

It’s common for wisdom teeth to grow in at different angles that overcrowd your existing smile. If your smile seems to have shifted, voice your concerns with a dental professional. 

BridgeView Dental Group is known throughout the greater Kodiak, AK, area, for providing top-notch preventative and emergency dentistry services. If you’re suffering from wisdom teeth pain or you’re overdue for your annual cleaning, call their office today at (907) 486-3257 to schedule your next appointment. To learn more about the services they provide, from tooth extractions to comprehensive orthodontics work, visit this trusted local dental clinic online.