Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be left in the mouth if they aren’t causing any problems.

More often, however, wisdom teeth are misaligned or impacted. A misaligned wisdom tooth may be positioned horizontally, or angled inward or outward. Poor alignment could result in tooth crowding or damage to nearby teeth.

An impacted tooth is a tooth that doesn’t fully emerge from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to bacterial infection and can lead to pain and swelling. Impacted teeth also increase your chances of developing a gum disease such as periodontitis or gingivitis.

To determine if your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will take x-rays of your mouth and evaluate the alignment of your teeth. In many cases your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed before any noticeable problems develop.

If you’re experiencing pain around your wisdom teeth, it’s very important to see a dentist as soon as you can. To set up a dental exam, contact Greenspoint Dental today.