Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually show up in your late teens or early twenties.
For some, they grow in just fine, but for many, they cause overcrowding, discomfort, or even infections. When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space, they can push against other teeth or get trapped under the gums. Schedule a consultation with Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC, to see if extraction is the right option for you!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, but they often don’t fit properly in the mouth. When they emerge, they may grow at an angle, get stuck under the gums, or cause irritation in the surrounding area. This can lead to infections, gum swelling, or pressure on other teeth.
- Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth that stay trapped beneath the gums can cause swelling and discomfort.
- Overcrowding: Limited space may force nearby teeth out of alignment.
- Increased risk of decay: Their position makes them harder to clean, leading to cavities.
- Gum inflammation: Bacteria can collect around partially erupted wisdom teeth, increasing infection risk.
Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent bigger dental problems down the road. If they don’t have enough space to grow in correctly, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment or discomfort. In some cases, they can even lead to infections or damage to the jawbone.
- Impaction: Teeth that don’t fully emerge can create swelling and increase infection risk.
- Pressure on other teeth: Crowding from wisdom teeth can affect alignment and bite.
- Increased risk of decay: Hard-to-reach molars are more likely to develop cavities.
- Cyst formation: Fluid-filled cysts can develop around impacted teeth, damaging nearby bones and nerves.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted
Wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms right away, but when they do, it’s usually a sign of a problem. If they start pushing against other teeth or become infected, you may notice discomfort, swelling, or even difficulty eating. Paying attention to these warning signs can help you avoid more serious dental issues.
- Persistent discomfort: Soreness or pressure in the back of your mouth or jaw.
- Swollen or bleeding gums: Redness and irritation near your molars.
- Difficulty chewing: A feeling of tightness or soreness when eating.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste: Trapped bacteria can cause odors and lingering bad taste.
Post-Operative Care & Recovery
The first few days after wisdom tooth removal are the most important for healing. Following your aftercare instructions can help minimize swelling and prevent complications. Keeping the area clean and avoiding certain activities will speed up recovery.
- Manage swelling: Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours to reduce inflammation.
- Stick to soft foods: Mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies make eating easier.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Rest and keep your head elevated to prevent excess swelling.
- Prevent dry sockets: Skip straws, smoking, and excessive spitting to protect the healing site.
Protect Your Smile With Wise Dental Care
Wisdom teeth removal is an important step in protecting your long-term oral health. Waiting too long can lead to unnecessary discomfort, shifting teeth, or infections. Getting them removed early makes the process smoother and recovery faster. Schedule your consultation with Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC, to get expert care for your wisdom teeth!