Do You Need Your Wisdom Tooth Removed? 5 Warning Signs to Watch For
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they erupt without issue — but for many others, wisdom teeth become a source of ongoing pain and dental complications. At Polaris Dental in Brampton, Dr. Steven Zhao regularly helps patients deal with impacted or infected wisdom teeth. So how do you know it’s time for a removal? Here are 5 key warning signs to watch for.
1. Persistent Pain in the Back of the Mouth
One of the most common signs is throbbing or sharp pain behind your last molars. This can indicate that your wisdom teeth are impacted, pressing against other teeth, or struggling to erupt through the gum line. If the pain comes and goes but keeps returning, it’s time for a dental evaluation.
2. Swollen, Bleeding, or Inflamed Gums
Do your gums feel sore, puffy, or bleed when brushing near the back of your mouth? This can be a sign of pericoronitis, a gum infection that often occurs around partially erupted wisdom teeth. Dr. Steven Zhao can determine whether the infection is treatable or if extraction is needed to prevent recurrence.
3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Swallowing
In severe cases, an impacted or infected wisdom tooth can lead to limited jaw movement or even difficulty swallowing. This happens when swelling or infection spreads to surrounding tissues. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may need emergency dental care.
4. Crowding or Shifting of Teeth
If your smile was once straight and now your lower teeth seem crowded or overlapping, a wisdom tooth could be the culprit. Late-erupting wisdom teeth can push against other molars, shifting their position. An X-ray can reveal whether a hidden wisdom tooth is causing this pressure.
5. Bad Breath or a Foul Taste
A persistent bad taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath can point to infection, food trapping, or gum disease around the wisdom tooth area. These issues won’t resolve on their own and may worsen over time. Extraction is often the best solution to eliminate the source.
Dr. Steven Zhao takes a personalized approach to wisdom tooth removal. At Polaris Dental, we use digital X-rays and advanced diagnostics to determine if removal is necessary — and whether it can be done simply or requires surgical extraction. Every patient is carefully assessed for comfort and safety.
We understand that patients often delay wisdom tooth removal due to fear or uncertainty. That’s why our team emphasizes gentle care, clear communication, and sedation options for those who are nervous about the procedure. Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s better to act early. Delaying wisdom tooth removal can lead to more pain, infections, and complications down the road — including damage to neighboring teeth or bone. Early intervention usually means an easier recovery.
📍 Polaris Dental in Brampton offers same-day consultations and flexible scheduling for wisdom tooth evaluations. Whether your case is simple or complex, Dr. Steven Zhao and our caring team are here to help.
👉 Call 905-453-0990 or book online at www.polarisdental.ca
Don’t ignore the signs — protect your oral health with expert wisdom tooth care today.