Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually between the ages of 17 – 25. By then, there often isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to grow in properly. When they get stuck or only partially break through the gums, they can lead to complications. 

Common signs your wisdom teeth may need to come out include tooth pain, swollen or tender gums, jaw stiffness, a bad taste or bad breath, and decay in the back teeth. An exam can show whether removal makes sense. 

At Koslin & Kahn Oral & Facial Surgery in Hoover, Jasper, and Clanton, AL, our team provides wisdom tooth removal to help you feel comfortable again. Call today to schedule a consultation. 

What is a wisdom tooth? 

First, what is a wisdom tooth? Simply put, it’s one of the third molars at the very back of your mouth. Most people have four, one in each corner, though some have fewer or none. 

Wisdom teeth that can’t fully break through the gums are called impacted teeth. Some grow in at an angle, push against the molars, or stay trapped under the gums and bone. 

Not every wisdom tooth causes problems. Regular checkups and x-rays help your dentist track their growth as part of your overall oral wellness. 

Signs your wisdom teeth need to be removed 

Impacted teeth don’t always hurt right away, but they can cause problems over time. Watch for:  

• Pain in the back of your mouth: Tooth pain or a dull ache near your back molars can spread to your jaw or ear. 
• Swollen or tender gums: Inflamed gums around a partly erupted tooth can trap food and bacteria, leading to infection. 
• Jaw stiffness: Swelling near the back of the jaw may limit how wide you can open your mouth. 
• A bad taste or bad breath: An infection around the wisdom tooth can leave an unpleasant taste that brushing doesn’t fix. 
• Decay in the back teeth: Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, which raises the risk of cavities in them and in the molars next to them. 

Inflamed gums that keep flaring up are a frequent reason surgeons recommend removal. If you live near Hoover, Jasper, or Clanton, AL, and notice fever or facial swelling, contact our office promptly. 

What wisdom tooth removal is like 

Your visit starts with an exam and x-rays to see exactly where each tooth sits. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will use anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Impacted teeth may need a small opening in the gum and can be removed in sections. Stitches may be placed to help the area heal. 

Most people feel better a few days after wisdom tooth removal, with swelling peaking around the second or third day. Ice packs, soft foods, and plenty of rest can help. Avoid straws and smoking for the first few days, since they can loosen the blood clot that protects the socket. Any inflamed gums around the area should calm down as you heal. 

Taking out problem wisdom teeth can protect nearby molars and support oral wellness for years to come. 

Get a wisdom tooth evaluation 

If you have questions such as, “What is a wisdom tooth?” or “Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?” we’d be glad to talk with you. At Koslin & Kahn Oral & Facial Surgery in Hoover, Jasper, and Clanton, AL, we’ll examine your wisdom teeth and recommend the best plan possible for your oral wellness. Call today to schedule a consultation before tooth pain gets worse.