Wisdom teeth are molars that typically appear in early adulthood. Sometimes, they grow in improperly and cause problems, which is why many people opt for wisdom tooth extraction. If you’re wondering whether the procedure is right for you, here are three signs it’s time to have one or all of your wisdom teeth removed. 

3 Ways to Tell You Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

1. Gum Disease

When wisdom teeth fail to fully erupt, dentists call them “impacted.” Since it’s difficult to clean a partially hidden tooth, impacted wisdom teeth increase your risk of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, X-rays can help your dentist determine whether impacted wisdom teeth are the culprit. 

2. Cysts

Sometimes, a wisdom tooth erupts in a sac within your jawbone, and the sac may fill with fluid and form a cyst. If you feel persistent jaw swelling or pain, ask your dentist to take X-rays. If the X-rays detect a cyst caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, both the tooth and the cyst will need to be extracted. 

3. Sinus Problems

Upper wisdom teeth sometimes grow upwards into the sinus area and put pressure on your sinuses, leading to headaches and pain. Also, since your upper wisdom teeth are close to your sinus passages, an infection of the upper wisdom tooth may spread to your sinuses. If you feel sinus pain, pressure, or congestion, your dentist can take X-rays to determine the involvement of your upper wisdom teeth. 

Even if you don’t experience any of these issues, your dentist may still recommend wisdom tooth extraction as a preventative measure. In general, the younger a patient is, the easier the extraction and healing processes are. If you’d like to learn more about the procedure, contact Avon Dental Care. Serving patients throughout Lorain County, OH, Dr. Thomas R. Hughes, DDS has more than 30 years of experience providing gentle, comprehensive dental care. Learn more about their services at their website, and call (440) 937-2273 to schedule a consultation today.