How to Know When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled

Wisdom teeth can cause problems when there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly. The best way to know when to get wisdom teeth removed is to see a dentist regularly, especially during the young adult years when wisdom teeth typically come in.

A family-friendly dental professional can track the progress of your teen’s wisdom teeth and recommend removal if necessary.

When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Pulled?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow and usually begin to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth. As a result, it is best to have wisdom teeth pulled before they cause serious crowding or alignment issues.

Many times, only a dentist will be able to know if the wisdom teeth need to be removed or not.

Signs Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed

Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when their roots are less than two-thirds formed, usually in the teenage years. Wisdom teeth may not cause any noticeable problems until complications arise. You can prevent these complications by paying attention to these signs that wisdom teeth need to be pulled:

• Teeth begin to shift when wisdom teeth try to fit into a space that is not big enough for them. The wisdom teeth can get stuck, or impacted, and may cause pain or infection.

• If your child experiences pain around the wisdom teeth that won’t go away, it may be a sign of infection. If the wisdom teeth can only partially erupt, food can get trapped in the area causing bacteria to grow causing an infection. Removing the wisdom teeth will stop the infection.

• If the wisdom teeth don’t come in straight, they can push other teeth out of alignment or even damage them. Removing the wisdom teeth will preserve the other teeth.

• A sac next to the wisdom tooth fills with fluid, forming a cyst. The cyst can damage the jaw bone or tooth roots, and in rare cases can lead to a tumor that must be surgically removed.

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, he or she should visit a dentist immediately.

Get Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled at Kool Smiles

Your local Kool Smiles dentist can tell you if your child needs to have his or her wisdom teeth removed. Find a Kool Smiles near you or call us today to make an appointment. 

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Sources:

US News: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/survival-guide-to-getting-your-wisdom-teeth-removed

Crest: http://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-topics/general-oral-hygiene/do-i-need-to-have-my-wisdom-teeth-pulled