Where are the wisdom teeth located in your mouth?
In humans, the wisdom teeth are the last four molars on either side of the lower jaw. These are the last teeth to come through and won't usually appear until your late teen years or early twenties.
Why are wisdom teeth commonly extracted?
Not every patient will need the removal of their wisdom teeth, but many dentists will recommend their removal even with no issues currently present due to their ability to create problems.
Wisdom teeth are notorious for becoming impacted when they don't emerge correctly. This can cause serious pain and pressure on the surrounding teeth. It is also possible that there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth, resulting in crowding and misalignment of the teeth in the surrounding area.
Your dentist may recommend protecting your oral health against any potential concerns by having your wisdom teeth removed.
Here are 4 Common Signs That Your Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
Although the early signs of complication may not point directly at your wisdom teeth, there are certain symptoms which may indicate that you should see your dentist to have a complete examination. Some of these symptoms are:
Red, Swollen Gums
During the erupting process of your wisdom teeth, your gums may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch. This can indicate that your wisdom teeth have experienced an infection during the eruption process and will need to be removed to protect your overall oral health.
Sinus Pain & Congestion
While it may not have been your first thought, the sinus issues that you are experiencing may be caused by your wisdom teeth. Sinus pain, pressure, and congestion can occur as a result of issues with the wisdom teeth.
Discomfort When Chewing
While there can be many different causes of pain when chewing, one of the possibilities is complications caused by your wisdom teeth. In addition to jaw and tooth pain, it is possible for food to become stuck between the gums and the erupting teeth, resulting in infection and pain.
Pain Located in Your Jaw
As your wisdom teeth emerge, they may cause pain and pressure within your jaw which you should have evaluated by your dentist.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction For Preventive Care
Even if you don't have any problems with your wisdom teeth, such as impaction or crowding, your dentist may still recommend that you have them removed. This is due to the fact that they are located so far back in your mouth that it can be difficult to properly clean them, putting you at a higher risk for tooth decay.