You may not think about your wisdom teeth often—until they start causing trouble. These back molars can lead to pain, swelling, and even damage to nearby teeth if they don’t have enough room to grow properly. The truth is, wisdom teeth removal isn’t always urgent, but waiting too long can lead to complications like infections, impaction, or shifting teeth. The good news? Removing them at the right time can prevent discomfort and protect your oral health.
At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we help patients determine the right time for removal, ensuring the procedure is as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you’re wondering whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, recognizing the warning signs early can save you from unnecessary pain and future dental problems. Please reach out to us if you’re ready to finally remove your wisdom teeth and put a stop to the discomfort.
Common Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
When determining whether it’s the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to be aware of a few signs. The following are strong indications that your wisdom teeth will cause problems if they continue to develop unchecked by your dental team:
- Pain, discomfort, and chronic soreness in the back of your jaw.
- Swelling in the gums, especially near the wisdom teeth.
- Infection, as impacted wisdom teeth can create bacterial buildup.
- Teeth are crowding or shifting, as wisdom teeth may move your teeth out of place.
- Jaw stiffness is a strong sign your wisdom teeth may continue to create issues.
- Difficulty eating, potentially due to pain, swelling, misalignment, or other problems.
- Cysts may develop due to an increased risk of infection. These cysts may need to be surgically removed.
- Damage to your teeth, especially those near your wisdom teeth
- Additional damage, such as to the nerves and blood vessels
- Miscellaneous damage and decay, such as decaying teeth and bad breath
While these indicate your wisdom teeth will continue to create problems, you can also elect to get them removed before they start causing issues. We recommend seeing your dentist regularly and getting your X-rays as recommended, as this will help your providers track wisdom teeth growth rates and angles of development. The sooner your dentist sees a problem, the more likely they will be able to mitigate long-term health issues.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Most individuals grow their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties, so getting them removed sooner rather than later is preferable. According to AAOMS, it’s best to get your wisdom teeth removed somewhere between the ages of 15 and 25. This seems to be the age range where the oral cavity recovers the most easily and quickly, making the procedure much safer compared to older adults getting the same treatment.
At a younger age, your wisdom teeth are less likely to have thoroughly developed roots, and your jaw bone is less dense. Wisdom teeth removal is also generally easier before the third molars have started to show up above the gum line. This is when there’s less risk for infection, the wisdom teeth are less likely to become impacted, and there’s little to no damage to the surrounding structures and tissues.
Again, it’s much easier to safely remove wisdom teeth and mitigate damage when you see your dentist regularly. If necessary, younger patients may need to communicate directly with their parents or guardians about their concerns. If you need assistance or have questions, we encourage you to contact us at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center. We’re happy to provide helpful answers and point you in the right direction for quality dental care.
Wisdom Teeth Creating Problems? Get Them Removed With Support From St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center
Wisdom teeth removal doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we provide expert care in a comfortable and professional environment, ensuring your procedure is as smooth and pain-free as possible. With years of experience, advanced technology, and IV sedation options, we make the process easier for patients of all ages. Whether your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort now or you want to prevent future complications, we’re here to help.
Waiting too long to remove your wisdom teeth can lead to unnecessary pain, infections, and even long-term dental damage. By scheduling a consultation with our skilled team, you can take a proactive step toward protecting your oral health. We’re AAAHC accredited and dedicated to showing our patients understanding and high-quality care. When you work with us, you’ll also receive support from a team of certified surgical assistants and a registered APRN nurse practitioner. Call us today at (904) 460-0505 or visit our contact form to get started.
