Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually in the late teens or early twenties, and they are the ones most likely to cause trouble. Not everyone needs them out, so here is how to tell the difference and what removal actually involves.
No. If a wisdom tooth comes through straight, has room and can be cleaned properly, it can stay. The problem is that many jaws do not have space, so the teeth come through at an angle or get stuck under the gum. That is when they start causing pain, infection or damage to the tooth in front.
Common warning signs include aching or pressure at the back of the jaw, red or swollen gum around a partly-erupted tooth, a bad taste or smell, difficulty opening your mouth, and repeated infections in the same spot. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and a problem only shows up on an x-ray, which is one reason regular check-ups matter.
A simple extraction of a tooth that has come through is quick and done under local anaesthetic. A tooth that is impacted under the gum or bone is a bit more involved and may need a small incision, but it is still routine. You will be numb throughout, and we talk you through sedation options if the idea makes you anxious. If you are a nervous patient, tell us and we will plan around it.
Expect some swelling and soreness for a few days. Rest for the first 24 hours, use ice on the cheek, stick to soft foods, and avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing so the clot is not disturbed. Most people are back to normal within a week. Take any pain relief as directed and keep the area clean with gentle salt-water rinses after the first day.
A wisdom tooth infection with facial swelling, fever or trouble swallowing needs to be seen quickly. If that is you, contact us or an emergency dentist rather than waiting.
You are numb during the procedure with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain at the time. Afterwards there is usually soreness and swelling for a few days, which is well controlled with pain relief and ice.
Most people feel much better within three to five days and back to normal within a week. Impacted teeth can take a little longer. Resting for the first day and eating soft foods speeds things up.
Not usually. Most wisdom teeth are removed comfortably under local anaesthetic while you are awake. For complex cases or high anxiety, sedation options are available and we will discuss them with you.
Dry socket is when the healing blood clot is lost too early, leaving the bone exposed and painful. Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing for the first few days to lower the risk.