Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, and they can cause more trouble than any other teeth in your mouth. Many patients turn to restorative dentistry at Wren Street Dental to remove these pesky molars. However, not everyone needs extractions. Certain signs make removal the healthier choice, but how do you know when it’s time to get help? Let’s look at the top five signs your wisdom teeth may need to be removed.
If you recognize any of the signs in this blog, it’s time to call Dr. Amol Shergill and his team in Mission, BC. We can help you get the care you need fast. Dial (604) 520-8702 to book a visit now!
1. Pain and Discomfort That Doesn’t Go Away
Ongoing pain is one of the clearest signals that wisdom teeth are causing problems. The discomfort usually appears at the back of your mouth and may spread to your jaw or ear.
While mild soreness might be manageable, sharp or throbbing pain often means the teeth are impacted or pushing against nearby teeth. Ignoring the pain can make things worse. Removing wisdom teeth can stop the pain and protect the rest of your smile.
2. Swelling and Redness in the Gums
When wisdom teeth try to break through, they often irritate the gums. Swollen, tender, or red gum tissue near the back molars is a common warning sign.
Sometimes, food and bacteria collect in this area, leading to infection. Dentists call this condition pericoronitis. If swelling doesn’t improve with good oral hygiene, Dr. Shergill may recommend removing the wisdom teeth before infection spreads. Healthy gums are essential for a strong smile, so don’t ignore this sign.
3. Frequent Headaches or Jaw Stiffness
You might not connect jaw pain or headaches to wisdom teeth, but science says there is a strong link. Impacted wisdom teeth place pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This extra strain can trigger headaches, jaw stiffness, and even neck pain.
If you notice tension headaches becoming more common, it may be time to check whether your wisdom teeth are the cause. Extraction often relieves this pressure and improves daily comfort.
4. Shifting or Crowding of Other Teeth
One hidden danger of wisdom teeth is how they affect nearby teeth. As wisdom teeth push in, they may crowd or shift your existing teeth.
For patients who invested in orthodontic treatment, this can undo years of hard work. Crowding also makes cleaning harder, raising the risk of cavities. Removing wisdom teeth can help protect the alignment of your smile. Think of it as preserving your investment in a straight, healthy bite.
5. Repeated Infections or Cysts
If your wisdom teeth cause repeated infections, or if Dr. Shergill spots cysts on X-rays, removal becomes necessary. Cysts can damage the roots of healthy teeth or even erode bone tissue. Because these issues often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage, regular dental visits are key. Dr. Shergill can catch these early signs and recommend removal before complications escalate.
Easy Wisdom Teeth Removal in Mission, BC
Wisdom teeth don’t always need removal, but when they cause pain, swelling, or damage to other teeth, extraction is often the best choice. If you notice any of these five signs, it’s time to talk with Dr. Amol Shergill.
Take action early – click here to request a wisdom tooth removal consultation at Wren Street Dental, or dial (604) 820-8702 to protect your smile from bigger problems later.
