Merion Village Dental Blog

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. These third molars, typically the last teeth to emerge, can cause a variety of problems, from overcrowding to painful impactions. While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, many people do, and delaying the procedure can lead to more serious complications. So, how do you know when it’s time to take action? We’ll walk you through the signs that indicate wisdom teeth removal is necessary, what to expect from the procedure, and how to recover smoothly.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically appear in your late teens or early twenties. While they were useful for our ancestors—who needed the extra teeth to chew tough foods—modern dental evolution has made them less necessary. For many people, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for these extra molars, which can lead to a variety of issues, including pain, misalignment, and infection.

Signs It’s Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms when their wisdom teeth start coming in, but there are several warning signs that indicate it may be time for removal:

Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or even headaches can be a sign of wisdom teeth complications.

Swelling or Tenderness: Red, swollen gums around the molars may indicate infection or impaction.

Difficulty Chewing: If you find it uncomfortable to eat or open your mouth fully, your wisdom teeth could be growing in at an awkward angle.

Crowding or Shifting Teeth: If your previously straight teeth start shifting, it could be due to wisdom teeth pushing against them.

Frequent Infections or Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections and inflammation.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with the Columbus dentists at Merion Village Dental about whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process: What to Expect

The idea of having teeth removed may seem intimidating, but wisdom teeth extraction is a common and relatively straightforward procedure. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Before the Procedure

Our dentists and oral surgeons will perform an exam, often with X-rays, to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether removal is necessary. They’ll also discuss sedation dentistry options, which can include:

• Dream Dentistry: Sleep right through the appointment. For more advice about this sedation treatment, check out our blog all about it!
• Oral Sedation: Light sedation for relaxation during the appointment.

During the Procedure

The dentist will make a small incision in the gum if the wisdom tooth is impacted. The tooth may be removed in sections to minimize disruption to the surrounding tissue. Once the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to aid healing.

After the Procedure

Recovery begins immediately. You’ll be monitored for a short time before being sent home with post-op instructions. Some common experiences after surgery include swelling, mild bleeding, and temporary discomfort.

Benefits of Early Wisdom Teeth Removal

While some people wait until they feel pain before addressing their wisdom teeth, early removal can prevent serious complications. Some of the key benefits of proactive removal include:

Prevention of Crowding and Misalignment: Removing wisdom teeth before they cause shifting helps maintain a straight smile.

Reduced Risk of Infection and Decay: Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infections, cysts, and decay due to difficulty cleaning them properly.

Easier Recovery: Younger patients tend to heal faster, making early removal less complicated.

Less Pain and Discomfort: Addressing the issue before wisdom teeth become problematic can save you from months or years of pain.

Most people recover fully within a week, but it’s important to follow  instructions for the best results.

Why Choose a Professional in Columbus?

Wisdom teeth removal is a delicate procedure that requires expertise and precision. Choosing a trusted dental provider in Columbus ensures:

• Expert assessment of your unique case
• Safe and effective extraction techniques
• Comfort-focused sedation options
• Comprehensive post-op care to ensure proper healing

Also, scheduling with our dental experts at Merion Village Dental is quick and easy! We know that wisdom teeth pain can be disruptive, which is why we often offer same-day or within-the-week appointments for removal. Our experienced team makes the process as smooth as possible, so you can get relief fast.

Take Action Before Symptoms Worsen

If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain or want to be proactive about your oral health, now is the time to act. Schedule a consultation with Merion Village Dental today and let our experienced team guide you through a smooth, stress-free wisdom teeth removal process. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable—take charge of your dental health now!