10/08/2026
Wisdom teeth are our third and final set of molars. They were useful for our ancestors, whose diets required more chewing. Today, they are often unnecessary, and some people don’t have enough space for them to erupt properly.
Wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems, and not everyone needs them removed. However, because they sit at the back of the mouth, they can be difficult to clean and may become partially or fully impacted.
Depending on their position, wisdom teeth can be associated with:
• Pain or tenderness
• Swollen or irritated gums
• Food trapping around the tooth
• Tooth decay or gum disease in hard-to-clean areas
• Pressure on nearby teeth
• Partial or full impaction
Some wisdom teeth may also need monitoring even if they aren’t causing symptoms.
If you notice changes around your wisdom teeth, experience discomfort, or have concerns, a dental examination can help determine what’s happening and whether treatment or monitoring is needed.
Oakdale Dental recently introduced a state-of-the-art in-house CBCT machine. When appropriate, CBCT imaging provides detailed 3D scans to help our dentists assess wisdom teeth and surrounding structures.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, speak with the Oakdale Dental team at your next visit or contact us to book an appointment (links in bio).
