If you’re in your late teens or early twenties and haven’t had your wisdom teeth evaluated, it’s a good time to see one of our surgeons. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, wisdom teeth can still cause problems that aren’t yet visible or painful. At Akron Oral Surgery, we often have patients between the ages of 16 and 25 referred to us by their dentists because they spotted issues on X-rays or at dental checkups that indicated the wisdom teeth were soon going to cause problems due to shifting, damage to the jaw or adjacent teeth, or impaction. In these cases, wisdom teeth removal is a preventive measure. However, there are symptoms that indicate you need your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible because your dental health is already affected.

Top Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth try to erupt but cannot emerge. They are either fully or partially trapped in the jawbone or gums, leading to a range of oral health problems. Impacted wisdom teeth symptoms may include:

Jaw Pain or Soreness in the Back of Your Mouth

If you have pain in the back of your mouth or a sore jaw, a wisdom tooth may be pushing against a second molar or trying to emerge where there isn’t enough room. It may also indicate the beginnings of an infection.

Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums Near the Back Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth trapped in the jawbone and unable to fully emerge. They may be fully or partially impacted. When trying to push through the gums, they may cause swelling, bleeding, or redness. Wisdom teeth extraction can help.

Persistent Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste

If your breath is bad even after brushing, or you have a chronic bad taste in your mouth, it could be food debris and bacteria trapped around impacted wisdom teeth or in gum pockets you can’t clean properly because partially emerging wisdom teeth are preventing proper cleaning. It could also be caused by pus from an infected wisdom tooth.

Crowded or Shifting Teeth

Some individuals who have had straight teeth for years are startled when their teeth begin to shift in their late teens. This is most likely due to wisdom teeth putting pressure on the molars in front of them, which, in turn, pushes them forward, moving teeth out of alignment.

Headaches or Ear Pain

If you have headaches or ear pain that can’t be linked to another cause, consider seeing your dentist to have your wisdom teeth checked. “Referred pain” is a very real phenomenon where pain in the back teeth can travel to the ears or cause chronic headaches.

Swelling in the Jaw or Face

Swelling in the face or jaw often indicates an impacted or infected wisdom tooth or an abscess. If you have swelling in addition to pain, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is a good idea, as the infection has begun to spread and can spread quickly, damaging the jawbone.

When Should You See an Oral Surgeon in Akron-Canton?

Any time you need wisdom teeth extraction in Akron, you should see an oral surgeon. While some dentists remove wisdom teeth, they do not have the advanced training in surgical procedures and anesthesia that oral surgeons do. With years of additional training and experience, oral surgeons have in-depth knowledge of the teeth, gums, ligaments, and bones of the face and jaw, enabling them to perform even the most complex procedures with skill and dexterity.

FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Akron-Canton, OH

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not necessarily. However, if you choose to leave your wisdom teeth in place, you will need to have them monitored for the rest of your life to ensure they have not shifted or become impacted. Your dentist can advise you on whether your wisdom teeth may be a problem as you age.

At what age is it best for wisdom teeth removal?

The late teens or early teens, when the roots of the wisdom teeth are not yet fully developed, is typically the best time for wisdom teeth extraction. By your mid-thirties and later, the roots of the wisdom teeth are longer and may become entangled with the nerves in the base of the jawbone. Your jawbone also becomes denser, making surgery more difficult. Patients in their teens usually recover quickly and with less pain.

How long is the recovery period?

You should take 3 days off from work or school after wisdom tooth removal. For the first three days, you will experience some discomfort and swelling, but by the end of the first week, you should be back to normal. Take the chance to catch up on your favorite movies and take lots of naps!

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