Have a dull ache in the back of your mouth? One keeping you from a good night’s sleep and consuming your thoughts during the day? That pain might be a wisdom tooth or two causing trouble. These third molars, which usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties, often don’t have enough space to grow properly. 

When they get stuck (impacted), come in at odd angles, or push against other teeth, it can lead to pain, swelling, and even infection. Some people never have issues, but for many, wisdom teeth create more problems than they’re worth. If you’re dealing with discomfort, it may be time to consider removing them before they cause bigger dental concerns.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain

Before we get into the benefits of tooth extraction to help relieve your wisdom tooth pain, let’s talk more specifically about why you might be experiencing pain in the first place. 

Crowding Other Teeth

Your mouth only has so much space, and when wisdom teeth try to squeeze in, they often push against your other teeth. This can lead to shifting, pressure, and even misalignment. If your once-straight teeth feel tighter than before, your wisdom teeth might be to blame.

Impacted or Partially Erupted Teeth

Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to break through the gums. When trapped beneath the surface (impacted) or they only partially emerge, it can create pressure, swelling, and discomfort. Partially erupted teeth also leave openings in the gums where food and bacteria can collect, leading to further irritation.

Increased Risk of Infection or Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are tucked away in hard-to-reach spots, making them tricky to keep clean. This can lead to plaque buildup, which increases the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and even infections. If you notice tenderness, redness, or a bad taste in your mouth, your wisdom teeth might create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal 

Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid potential dental problems down the road—and it might be the best choice for you, too. If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or creating issues with your other teeth, your Greenville, South Carolina dentist can evaluate your situation and provide a referral to a trusted specialist who can safely manage the extractions. While the idea of surgery may seem overwhelming, removing wisdom teeth can bring long-term benefits for your oral health, including:

• Prevents crowding and misalignment: Removing wisdom teeth can help protect the alignment of your other teeth, reducing the chance of shifting or bite problems.
• Reduces risk of infections, cysts, or decay: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria can thrive, increasing the chances of cavities, gum infections, or even cysts.
• Eases pain and discomfort in the jaw and gums: Persistent soreness, swelling, or pressure caused by wisdom teeth can be relieved once they are removed.

When You Should Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

Each year, around ten million wisdom teeth are removed from five million people across the United States. While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth taken out, many do—especially when they start causing problems. 

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to say goodbye to yours, here are some common signs that removal may be the best choice:

• Persistent pain or swelling: Ongoing discomfort in the back of your mouth, along with swelling or tenderness in the gums, could indicate that your wisdom teeth are impacted or creating pressure on your other teeth.
• Recurring infections or difficulty chewing: If you experience repeated gum inflammation, infections, or discomfort while eating, your wisdom teeth may be creating hard-to-clean spaces where bacteria can thrive.
• Dentist’s recommendation based on X-rays or evaluation: Your Greenville, South Carolina dentist can evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine if they’re likely to cause future problems. If needed, they can provide a referral to a specialist who can safely remove them.

If any of these issues sound familiar, it may be time to discuss your options with your Greenville dentist.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health 

Regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to keep your smile healthy, and they’re especially important when it comes to monitoring your wisdom teeth. Seeing your Greenville, South Carolina dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam allows us to track your wisdom teeth and catch any potential issues before they turn into bigger problems.

If you’ve been experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, it may be time to discuss wisdom tooth removal. Early removal can help prevent more serious concerns, such as infections, crowding, or damage to surrounding teeth. Your dentist can assess your situation and provide a referral to a specialist who can safely handle the procedure.

Don’t wait until wisdom tooth pain becomes unbearable—schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Taking action now can help protect your long-term dental health and keep your smile feeling its best.