Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it’s important to recognize warning signs when they arise. Dentists often advise that unchecked wisdom teeth can cause extensive oral health issues and damage to your smile, which is why it’s always best to explore tooth extraction early. If you experience any common wisdom teeth symptoms, they may have started to come in, so speak with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

3 Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

1. Swelling and Pain

As wisdom teeth come in, they can cause extensive pain throughout the mouth, leading to swelling and inflammation. It can come in waves, and overall, if it’s affecting your quality of life, the teeth should be extracted. Pain and swelling are usually a sign that worse things are to come, so speak with your dentist about any concerns you have so they can decide the best course of action.

2. Infections

If open wounds develop at the eruption site, you could be looking at potentially serious oral health issues. Decay-causing bacteria can enter sensitive gum tissue and cause infections that can damage surrounding teeth. See your dentist at the first sign of infection or bleeding so the tooth can be extracted before anything significant occurs.

3. Damage to Other Teeth

As wisdom teeth work their way in, they may begin pushing neighboring molars out of their way. This could potentially damage those molars and cause the rest of your teeth to shift. When untreated, it can misalign your smile and require orthodontic work to fix. Before your wisdom teeth come in, your dentist can examine the site and take X-rays to determine if there will be enough room or if it may result in complications.

If you’re dealing with wisdom teeth issues, turn to Ronald L. Rasmussen DDS of Sacramento, CA. He and his dental care staff are proud to provide a variety of services for patients of all ages and take the necessary steps to make them feel welcome. He believes in a one-on-one approach with both treatment and education when it comes to general dentistry, and he is committed to helping patients achieve their ideal smile. Call (916) 689-1100  to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to explore veneers, dental crowns, and the other dentistry solutions they offer.