What to Do When Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow on either side of your mouth in both the top and bottom jaw. However, unlike when new teeth grow in to replace your lost baby teeth, wisdom teeth aren’t necessary and aren’t replacing any lost teeth. They tend to erupt when you’re between 17 and 21 years old.

Most people should strongly consider wisdom tooth removal. While it’s not true for everyone, the wisdom teeth typically cause overcrowding and grow in at an awkward angle that may cause discomfort too. Some people’s wisdom teeth only partially or never fully erupt through the gum line. These are called impacted wisdom teeth, and they can lead to serious dental issues over time like gum disease and tooth decay.

Read on to discover what you can do when your wisdom teeth start to erupt to reduce the risk of overcrowding and discomfort.

How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?

The most common signs of wisdom tooth eruption are:

• Gum irritation behind your second molars.
• Aches or pain in the back of your jaw.
• Redness and swelling in the gums around your back molars.
• Small white specs, or the tops of your wisdom teeth, emerging behind your second molars.

When To Call Your Dentist

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption or you’re within the age range during which they typically come in, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is a critical next step. Your dentist can take x-rays to determine whether your wisdom teeth are erupting at an angle and/or will cause overcrowding issues in your mouth. Sometimes, they may determine that you don’t need to have your wisdom teeth extracted at all. However, if your dentist does want to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, it’s for good reason.

What Happens If I Don’t Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Choosing not to have your wisdom teeth extracted against your dentist’s better judgement can lead to some serious oral health issues. It’s best to have your wisdom teeth removed before you reach age 20 or before the roots have a chance to fully form.

For one, if your wisdom teeth are emerging at a sideways angle or they don’t have enough room, they may stay below the gum line and become impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause an infection or a cyst that damages the surrounding teeth and jaw bone. Next, wisdom teeth that partially emerge are difficult to clean, so they collect bacteria that causes gum disease, cavities and tooth decay. Finally, if your wisdom teeth fully erupt but you don’t have enough space in your mouth to accommodate, they crowd nearby teeth and misalign your bite. Overcrowding causes crooked teeth and bite issues that can reverse years of orthodontics or make orthodontics necessary for someone who’s never needed it before.

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Queensland

Dentists on the Gold Coast has decades of experience providing general and preventative dental care, including wisdom tooth extractions. Schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth removal in Queensland with our oral surgery specialists. Call Dentists on the Gold Coast on 07 5689 5460.