Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona (OFSA) is encouraging teens, young adults and parents to recognize the early warning signs of problem wisdom teeth. For anyone considering wisdom teeth removal at our Phoenix or Tempe office, learning these signs can help them seek an evaluation before a minor issue becomes a more complex one.

Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the back of the mouth, usually emerge between the late teens and early twenties. Many people don’t realize something is wrong until discomfort becomes hard to ignore. Because these teeth often have limited room to erupt, they can become impacted, grow in at an angle or emerge only partially, which can make the area harder to clean and more prone to problems.

OFSA’s surgeons say patients should schedule an evaluation if they notice any of the following:

Pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw
Swelling or redness in the gums near the back molars
Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth fully
A persistent bad taste or bad breath
Teeth that appear to be crowding or shifting
Wisdom teeth that are only partially visible through the gums

Many people believe wisdom teeth only need attention when they hurt. In reality, a wisdom tooth can cause problems below the gumline without obvious symptoms, which is why X-rays and a professional exam are important.

“Pain is often the last thing patients notice, not the first,” said Dr. Michael W. Golding of Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona. “A wisdom tooth can be impacted or developing in a way that affects nearby teeth long before it becomes uncomfortable. An evaluation gives patients clear information so they can decide on the right timing, rather than waiting for an urgent situation.”

At both the Phoenix and Tempe offices, evaluations are performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who use imaging to assess each tooth’s position, the surrounding bone and the nearby structures. Patients receive a clear explanation of whether removal is recommended now, whether monitoring is appropriate, and what treatment would involve. For patients who feel anxious about oral surgery, OFSA offers a range of comfort options, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia, which the surgeons will discuss during the consultation.

“Our goal is for patients to leave their consultation knowing exactly where they stand,” said Dr. J. Gregory Sabol. “Some wisdom teeth need to come out, and some simply need to be watched. When someone comes in early, we have more options and can plan treatment around their schedule and comfort.”

About Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona

Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona is a practice of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons serving patients in Phoenix and Tempe. Led by Dr. Michael W. Golding and Dr. J. Gregory Sabol, the practice provides wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, All-On-4® full-arch restoration, bone grafting, tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma and reconstruction, and sedation and anesthesia services.

Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a wisdom teeth evaluation, call the Phoenix office at (602) 899-8127 or the Tempe office at (480) 820-7400