Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Wisdom teeth do not always require removal. However, certain symptoms, positioning issues, and risk factors make future problems more likely. These signs help you decide whether your wisdom teeth need to be evaluated for removal.
Legacy Surgery offer wisdom tooth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
The signs below often indicate that wisdom teeth are causing problems or are likely to cause issues in the future.Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, but the presence of one or more often signals the need for professional evaluation.
Pain or Pressure at the Back of the Mouth
Persistent jaw pain, aching, or pressure near the back molars often occurs when wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt. The discomfort may worsen when chewing or opening the mouth and is commonly linked to impacted teeth pressing against surrounding structures.
Swelling, Infection, or Gum Inflammation
Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue around a tooth often indicates inflammation or infection along the gum line. Food and bacteria can become trapped beneath a partially erupted tooth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Crowding or Damage to Nearby Teeth
Wisdom teeth that erupt at an angle or remain impacted can place pressure on neighboring teeth, contributing to crowding, enamel wear, or damage below the gum line. Over time, this pressure may increase the risk of tooth decay or bone loss on adjacent teeth, even when the tooth itself is not painful.
Difficulty Cleaning Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth and close proximity to the gum line. Limited access makes plaque control challenging and increases the likelihood of decay, gum disease, and repeated infection.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your wisdom teeth, a professional evaluation can help determine whether removal may be recommended based on your individual risk factors.
To book wisdom teeth evaluation at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
Do I need to remove all of my wisdom teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Some wisdom teeth erupt fully, remain symptom-free, and do not increase the risk of infection or damage. Each tooth is evaluated individually based on position, symptoms, and long-term risk.
When is it too late to remove wisdom teeth?
There is no specific age limit for wisdom teeth removal. However, risks and complexity can increase with age as roots fully develop and bone becomes denser.
Do I need to remove wisdom teeth that never erupted?
Wisdom teeth that never erupted may be impacted, but not all unerupted teeth pose the same level of risk. An oral surgeon evaluates their position and potential impact on surrounding teeth to determine whether removal is recommended.
Where can I go for wisdom teeth removal near me?
Wisdom teeth removal is offered at Legacy Surgery with locations in Staunton, VA and Harrisonburg, VA. Both locations offer oral surgery evaluations and wisdom teeth removal, so you can choose the office that is most convenient for you.