Wisdom teeth are the last molars to arrive, usually in the late teens or early twenties, and they do not always have room to fit. Knowing when they need to come out helps you avoid trouble down the road.
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Because they arrive last, wisdom teeth often find little space left in the jaw. They may come in at an angle, push against neighbouring teeth, or get stuck partway, which is known as being impacted.
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge, it can trap food and bacteria, leading to pain, infection, or damage to the tooth next door. These are the situations where removal is usually the wise choice.
Signs Yours May Need to Go
Aching or pressure at the back of the jaw, tender or swollen gums around an emerging tooth, difficulty opening wide, or a repeated bad taste can all signal trouble. Crowding of your other teeth is another clue.
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and a problem is only spotted on an X‑ray. That is why regular checkups matter, since we can catch issues before they become painful.
When They Can Stay
Not every wisdom tooth needs removing. If yours have come in fully, are healthy, sit in the right position, and you can clean them well, they may be perfectly fine to keep.
At Cambie Dental in Vancouver we do not remove teeth unnecessarily. We look at your specific situation and only recommend extraction when it genuinely protects your health.
