At CRIOS (Coulee Region Implant & Oral Surgery Center) in La Crosse and Onalaska, we often see patients who are unsure whether their wisdom teeth need to be removed. For some people, these third molars emerge without any problems. For others, they can cause pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth. ThatтАЩs why we want to help you understand Wisdom Teeth Removal Signs and when itтАЩs time to seek professional care. In this article, weтАЩll explain when removal becomes necessary, what signs to watch for, and what you can expect when you visit us.
Why We Often Recommend Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common procedures we perform at CRIOS. Many wisdom teeth become impacted, which means they do not fully erupt or grow at an angle because there isnтАЩt enough space. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease affecting neighboring teeth, and, in rare cases, cysts that may damage the jawbone or adjacent teeth.
We also recommend removing wisdom teeth before age 25 whenever possible. As roots fully form and the jawbone becomes denser, extractions can become more difficult, and recovery may take longer. Because of this, we often perform proactive removals before severe symptoms develop.
That said, not all wisdom teeth require removal. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, well-aligned, and disease-free, we may recommend monitoring them rather than extracting them. Every decision is based on a thorough evaluation by our specialists.
Common Wisdom Teeth Removal Signs We Look For
We want our patients to be aware of Wisdom Teeth Removal Signs so they can get care before problems worsen. Some of the signs that often indicate extraction may be needed include:
Swelling, Redness, or Pain in the Back Gums
If the gum tissue behind your second molars becomes inflamed, tender, or swollen, it may be reacting to pressure or infection caused by your wisdom teeth.
Recurring Pain in Gums or Jaw
Ongoing or intermittent discomfort in your jaw or near your wisdom teeth is a major sign that evaluation is necessary.
Bad Taste, Odor, or Bleeding
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, causing infection, bleeding gums, or a foul taste in your mouth.
Signs of Infection
If you notice pus, prolonged swelling in your cheeks or jaw, or any other signs of infection, it is important to seek treatment promptly.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can press on your second molars, increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease in those teeth.
Cyst Development or Bone Damage
Although rare, cysts can form around the roots of wisdom teeth, causing damage to surrounding bone and teeth.
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with one of our board-certified oral surgeons.
What to Expect When You Visit CRIOS
When you come to CRIOS for a wisdom tooth consultation, here is what you can expect:
Examination and Imaging
We perform a complete head and neck exam and use CBCT (3-D imaging) to evaluate your wisdom teeth in relation to nerves, adjacent teeth, and your jawbone. From there, we determine whether your extraction is simple or surgical and explain your options.
Sedation and Anesthesia Options
To ensure comfort, we offer several sedation options. You can choose nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your needs and the complexity of your procedure.
Day of Surgery and Home Care Instructions
Before surgery, we provide clear written and verbal instructions for diet, pain management, and oral hygiene. Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort are normal, typically peaking around day three or four. If swelling or pain persists past five days without improvement, we encourage you to contact our team.
Recovery: What to Expect and Tips for Healing
Our goal is to help you recover as comfortably as possible. Here are some general guidelines we provide to our patients:
- Bleeding and Clot Formation: Bite gently on gauze for 24 to 48 hours and avoid spitting, rinsing, or using straws to protect the blood clot.
- Swelling: Apply cold compresses externally during the first two days to reduce swelling.
- Diet: Stick to cool, soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies at first, gradually moving to solid foods as tolerated.
- Oral Hygiene: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with salt water or a recommended mouth rinse. Avoid aggressive brushing near the extraction site.
- Pain Control: Use prescribed or over-the-counter medications as directed.
- Rest and Activity: Limit strenuous activity for a few days and keep your head elevated for comfort.
- Watch for Complications: Contact our team immediately if you experience persistent bleeding, worsening pain, fever, numbness, or other signs of infection.
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Kept?
In some cases, wisdom teeth can be monitored rather than removed. If they are fully erupted, properly aligned, easy to clean, and not causing harm, we may recommend leaving them in place. However, many wisdom teeth start causing problems in the late teens or early twenties. That is why we often suggest removal when early warning signs appear or before age 25 for the most predictable outcomes.
Conclusion: When to Act and Trust CRIOS
Wisdom teeth can be harmless for some patients, but if you notice any Wisdom Teeth Removal Signs, such as pain, swelling, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cyst formation, it is time to seek an evaluation. At CRIOS, we emphasize early intervention to ensure safer, more predictable extractions and smoother recovery.
Our board-certified oral surgeons use advanced imaging, multiple sedation options, and detailed post-operative care to make wisdom tooth removal safe, comfortable, and effective. If you think you may need your wisdom teeth evaluated, schedule a consultation with us today.
