How to Tell if You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically emerge in early adulthood. Often, they become a source of annoyance for many individuals. While these teeth were once essential for our ancestors' diets, they now frequently lead to a variety of dental issues. 

Many people experience dental pain, inflammation, and difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene due to the presence of wisdom teeth. In fact, approximately 80% of adults have at least one impacted wisdom tooth — a condition where the tooth is trapped in the jaw and unable to fully emerge, leading to further complications. These problems arise because modern human jaws are often too small to accommodate these additional molars comfortably. As a result, dentists and oral surgeons frequently recommend their removal to prevent potential complications. 

Read on to learn how to know if you should have your wisdom teeth removed and where to find the best maxillofacial surgeon in Los Angeles to do the job.

Six Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

While not everyone will need their wisdom teeth extracted, there are several indicators that suggest it may be necessary. Being aware of these signs can help you address potential problems early, preventing more serious complications down the line.

1. Tooth Pain

Persistent or severe pain in the back of your mouth is often the most common sign that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain, particularly around the area where wisdom teeth typically emerge. The pain may worsen when chewing or biting down.

2. Swollen Gums

Inflammation, redness, or tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding your wisdom teeth can indicate infection or tooth impaction. You might notice that the gums around your back molars are swollen, sensitive to touch, or even bleeding when you brush or floss. This swelling can make it difficult to clean the area properly, potentially leading to more oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay.

3. Teeth Crowding

As wisdom teeth attempt to emerge in a jaw that may not have enough space, they can cause your existing teeth to shift or become overcrowded. You might notice changes in your bite or the alignment of your front teeth. In some cases, this tooth crowding can undo previous orthodontic work.

4. Jaw Issues

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to jaw problems like:

• Stiffness of the jaw
• Jaw pain
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully

Some people also report a clicking sound when opening or closing their jaw — others develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders as a result of wisdom tooth complications.

5. Frequent Cavities

Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean properly. This difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene can lead to recurring tooth decay or infection in the wisdom teeth or adjacent molars. If you find yourself developing frequent or recurring cavities or infections in this area despite good oral care habits, it might be a sign that your wisdom teeth need attention.

6. Sinus Pressure

In some cases, upper wisdom teeth can impact the sinuses, leading to unexplained sinus pain, pressure, or congestion. You might experience headaches, facial pain, or congestion that seems unrelated to typical sinus issues. This is because the tooth roots of upper wisdom teeth can push against the sinuses as they grow, causing discomfort and potential sinus problems.

What to Expect During Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction 

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be an anxiety-inducing thought, but thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, this common procedure has become a quick and relatively painless one. 

Before your procedure, your oral surgeon will review your medical history and discuss the best anesthesia options. If there's an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed by your oral surgeon beforehand. You'll receive instructions for when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

The extraction typically takes 45 minutes to an hour — occasionally longer if you have more than one wisdom tooth removed. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your preferences, you'll receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The oral surgeon will make incisions in the gum tissue, remove the wisdom teeth, and clean the site before closing the wounds with dissolvable stitches.

After the procedure, you'll spend some time in a recovery room before discharge. You can expect some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort for a few days. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including pain management, diet restrictions, and oral hygiene guidelines. Most people fully recover within a week to ten days. 

Where to Find the Best Oral Surgeon in Los Angeles

Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary to prevent dental issues and can significantly improve oral health and comfort. For the best outcome and smoothest recovery, you should work with experienced oral surgeons who are highly skilled in modern wisdom tooth extraction techniques and use advanced technology for pain control and less blood loss.

For over 30 years, Dr. Sapna Lohiya, Dr. Abraham J, Estess, and Dr. Jeffrey Donlevy have been dedicated to providing excellent oral surgery services to the South Bay Area of Los Angeles. Combining three decades of experience with state-of-the-art surgical suites and the latest oral surgical techniques, Donlevy, Estess, and Lohiya Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Group ensures the most comfortable and efficient wisdom teeth removal experience. Our expertise extends to both simple and complex extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.

Ready to schedule pain-controlled wisdom teeth removal with the best oral surgeons in Los Angeles?