Are these my wisdom teeth?

Question

I am 17 years old and have 28 teeth, 14 each on top and bottom. For the past year and a half or so, every couple of months on the bottom behind all my other teeth, my gum (on one side) gets very soft, sensitive, and painful and I can feel a tooth under it. Then, a couple months later, the other side does this. Its been happening for awhile, but no teeth are coming through. This is not happening on the top. I don't even think I have enough room on the top for more teeth to grow; I can barely fit my pinky in the last remaining space on the top on each side, and I have small fingers. Are these my wisdom teeth?

Another question: I have braces that should be coming off within the next 6 months or so. Will I have to get these teeth removed before my braces come off?

Answer 1

Your wisdom teeth, are the last 4 teeth to come through the gums. They are at the very back of your jaw. Most people get them in their 20s -30s. If there isn't much room left in your jaw. you may need them removed. When they come through, they have a way of pushing their way around in the mouth. They can cause extreme pain, and can knock your other teeth, out of alignment. Talk to your Dentist, and see what he recommend. Good luck.