Once your first set of molars falls out, 32 permanent teeth develop. For some people, however, another set starts to grow in around their early twenties. This is usually around the age where adulthood begins, hence the term wisdom tooth.  While some are not required to have them extracted, others may experience discomfort, making surgery necessary to maintain their oral health.

How Do You Know When Your Wisdom Teeth Are Growing In?

A clear indication that your wisdom teeth are growing in is feeling pain in your jaw or near your back gums. If you have an impacted tooth that has become infected, you may also notice that your gums have become red and swollen or, worse, have started to bleed. However, even if these signs are not yet present, it’s best to see a dentist for an oral assessment and extraction, if needed.

Why Do You Need to Have Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Aside from pain, an impacted wisdom tooth may also cause oral hygiene problems. Since they are wedged in the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth tend to trap food particles, which can be hard to clean and susceptible to building up bacteria.

Excessive bacteria in the mouth may cause infections that can accelerate tooth decay and cause gum disease. Wisdom teeth can also cause overcrowding in the mouth, which can make your other teeth become misaligned or crooked. 

If you have a wisdom tooth that causes you pain or discomfort, have it extracted by the professionals at Oral Surgery Center SC in Baraboo, WI. These highly-skilled oral surgeons have helped numerous patients with their dental problems. They offer reliable dental implants, tooth extractions, and more advanced dentistry procedures to help keep your teeth intact and healthy. For more information about their services, check out their website or call (608) 356-2112 to schedule an appointment.