How do you know if you have to get your wisdom teeth out?

Consult your DDS: You should have an exam and x-rays to evaluate if your wisdom teeth need to be removed or not.

Don't wait for pain: Developing wisdom teeth are much easier to remove before the are fully formed or even migrate into the oral cavity. The misconception is that you wait until they start to hurt. If you have them, then chances are you'll be better off having them removed early. They can damage other teeth very slowly for years without pain, and by then, more teeth may need to come out.

Evaluation: You need to have a clinical evaluation that includes the appropriate x-rays to allow visualization of your entire maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) to see if you have wisdom teeth. The position and development of the wisdom teeth, the presence or absence of other teeth, and the size of each respective jaw are some factors to consider when being evaluated.

See specialist: See a wisdom tooth specialist, an a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who has the extra years of training and the experience to give you the most knowledgeable answer.