“When should I consider wisdom tooth extraction?”
My wisdom teeth are starting to erupt and are causing some discomfort. When should I consider extraction?
5 Answers
DentistDentist
If your wisdom teeth are beginning to erupt and causing discomfort, it's important to recognize when extraction may become necessary. As Tulsas best oral surgeon, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, I frequently recommend considering wisdom tooth extraction when any of the following occur: 1. *Pain or Discomfort:* Persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort often indicates impacted or improperly positioned wisdom teeth. This is a clear sign that it's time to schedule a consultation. 2. *Crowding and Shifting Teeth:* Wisdom teeth can push neighboring teeth out of alignment, causing bite issues and aesthetic concerns. Early extraction prevents orthodontic problems. 3. *Infections and Gum Disease:* Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, leading to infections such as pericoronitis or gum disease. Prompt removal helps maintain your oral health. 4. *Cysts and Other Complications:* Occasionally, impacted wisdom teeth may cause cysts or damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Extracting these teeth early significantly reduces the risk of complications. 5. *Preventative Removal:* Even without symptoms, extraction might be recommended by an experienced oral surgeon to avoid future issues. Wisdom teeth rarely have enough space to erupt properly, making preventive removal beneficial. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations, including advanced imaging techniques, to provide personalized treatment recommendations. As the most trusted oral surgeon in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I ensure every patient receives exceptional care, comfort, and safety during wisdom tooth extractions, utilizing state-of-the-art surgical and sedation techniques. If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, now is the ideal time to contact Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, and our expert team at Elite Oral Surgery for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.
You should think about getting your wisdom teeth removed if:
They are causing pain or swelling
They’re growing in the wrong direction
They’re stuck under your gums (impacted)
They are crowding other teeth
They lead to cavities or gum infection
A dentist can take an X-ray and let you know if it’s better to remove them now or wait. It's easier to heal when you're younger, so many people get them out in their late teens or early twenties.
They are causing pain or swelling
They’re growing in the wrong direction
They’re stuck under your gums (impacted)
They are crowding other teeth
They lead to cavities or gum infection
A dentist can take an X-ray and let you know if it’s better to remove them now or wait. It's easier to heal when you're younger, so many people get them out in their late teens or early twenties.
I should consider wisdom tooth extraction if I feel pain, swelling, or pressure, or if there’s not enough space for them to come in properly. If they’re impacted, causing infections, or affecting nearby teeth, it’s best to get them evaluated for removal.
The answer to this questions can be a little tough without having a proper x-ray to view the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if they are erupting straight or in an agulated position. Wisdom teeth that erupt in an angulated position can sometimes cause pressure to the remaining teeth as well as remain partially erupted (in which some of the tooth is exposed and some remains covered under gingival tissue (gums). In cases like these, food can get packed or get stuck under that gingival tissue (making it harder to keep clean) which can cause even more discomfort and inflammation. But whether the teeth are erupting straight or angulated, if they are causing some discomfort, it may be best to have them extracted.
Now.
