Written in the voice of Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, Jacksonport Dental Clinic, Calgary NE
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we often meet patients—especially teens and young adults—wondering, “Is this discomfort in the back of my mouth normal?” or “Do I really need to remove my wisdom teeth?” The truth is, wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but ignoring certain signs can lead to pain, infection, and long-term oral health problems.
As your local NE Calgary dental clinic, serving families across Cityscape, Cornerstone, Martindale, Taradale, Redstone, and more—we’re here to help you understand when it’s time to take your wisdom teeth seriously.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop—usually erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner at the back of the mouth.
In some cases, they come in just fine and don’t cause problems. But for many people, these latecomers don’t have enough room to emerge properly, causing impaction, infection, or misalignment.
Common Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be a Problem
As a dentist, I always remind my patients: if you’re feeling anything unusual at the back of your mouth, don’t brush it off. Here are some symptoms you should never ignore:
1. Pain or Pressure in the Back of the Mouth Persistent aches near your molars may indicate your wisdom teeth are pushing against adjacent teeth or erupting at the wrong angle.
Patient story: One of our young adult patients from Savanna felt “a dull pressure near the jaw.” Turns out—his wisdom teeth were partially impacted and causing gum inflammation.
2. Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums If your gums at the back of your mouth are inflamed, painful, or bleeding, it may signal pericoronitis—a common infection caused by partially erupted wisdom teeth.
3. Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth Wisdom teeth can affect your jaw mobility, causing stiffness, popping, or pain while eating or talking.
4. Headaches or Earaches Impacted wisdom teeth can cause referred pain that radiates to the head, ears, or even neck—especially if nerves are compressed.
5. Unpleasant Taste or Bad Breath When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, food and bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection or foul odour, even with good oral hygiene.
Why X-Rays Matter
At Jacksonport Dental, we take digital X-rays as part of your comprehensive exam. Even if you aren’t feeling any symptoms, X-rays help us detect impacted wisdom teeth early—especially those growing sideways or pressing against your second molars.
Risks of Ignoring Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Putting off treatment can lead to:
- Cysts or tumors (which can damage jawbone or adjacent teeth)
- Tooth crowding or shifting (affecting your smile)
- Decay or gum disease in hard-to-clean areas
- Infection that can spread beyond your mouth
Remember: not all wisdom teeth need removal, but early diagnosis gives you the best options.
What If You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If your X-ray shows that removal is necessary, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through every step. At our Calgary NE clinic:
- We offer gentle, precise extractions
- We’ll explain your sedation or freezing options
- We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to speed up healing
Our goal is to make you comfortable and confident, whether it’s your first dental procedure or not.
From Dr. Richa Bhatnagar: My Advice
“As someone who’s treated countless teens and adults with wisdom tooth concerns, my advice is simple—don’t ignore signs just because they feel mild. Wisdom teeth can be sneaky, and early detection is key to protecting your long-term oral health.”
Serving NE Calgary & Surrounding Communities
Whether you’re in Cornerstone, Cityscape, Taradale, Savanna, Saddletowne, or Redstone, our friendly team at Jacksonport Dental is just minutes away. We offer evening and weekend appointments, including Sundays!
Book Your Consultation Today
Think your wisdom teeth might be coming in? Or just want to be sure?
📞 Call Jacksonport Dental at +1 403-815-3040
📍 Visit us at 124-3730, 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
🌐 Book online at www.jacksonportdental.ca
