Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, and usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Standard dental practice is to remove wisdom teeth prior to them being fully formed when the roots have not yet had a chance to develop and fully root into the jaw. Younger patients usually have an easier recovery from surgery and many dentists believe early removal prevents future dental problems associated with wisdom teeth.

If your wisdom teeth were not removed as they emerged, there are some signs and symptoms that would indicate the need for extraction including:

• Wisdom teeth that are impacted, which means they have become trapped in the jawbone or gums.
• Wisdom teeth that are emerging at an awkward angle, causing pressure on adjacent teeth.

• Wisdom teeth that do not fit in your mouth, causing crowding of the surrounding teeth as well.

• Wisdom teeth that are suffering from decay or disease caused by the inability to keep them cleaned properly.

• Wisdom teeth that have developed fluid-filled cysts near the gumline.

• Wisdom teeth that are causing pain due to any of the above reasons.

The decision about whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with your dental professional. Your dentist or oral surgeon can assess the position and health of your wisdom teeth and make a recommendation for treatment.

If extraction is recommended, they may choose to extract one tooth or all four molars at once. Recovery from the outpatient procedure takes just a few days, and you will quickly be back to normal. Consult with your dental professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms listed to determine if you should consider wisdom tooth removal to ensure your future good oral health.

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