Wisdom Teeth: When Do They Actually Need to Come Out?

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Whether yours does depends on how much space is available and whether the tooth is causing, or likely to cause, a problem. Why wisdom teeth cause issues in the first place Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually in the late teens or early twenties, by which point the jaw often does not have enough remaining space. This can cause them to grow in at an angle, get partially stuck under the gum, or push against the neighbouring tooth. Signs a wisdom tooth may need attention Recurring pain or swelling at the back of the jaw, difficulty fully opening the mouth, food repeatedly getting trapped around the area, or visible crowding of nearby teeth are all reasons to have it evaluated. An X-ray shows the angle of the tooth and how much room is actually available. When dentists recommend leaving them If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted, sits in a normal upright position, and you can clean around it properly, there is often no need to remove it. Removal carries some downtime and minor surgical risk, so it is not something dentists recommend simply because a tooth is a wisdom tooth. When removal is usually recommended Impacted wisdom teeth (stuck partially or fully under the gum or bone), teeth causing repeated infections, or teeth damaging the tooth next to them are the situations where extraction is generally the better long-term choice, even if there is no pain at the moment. What the procedure involves Most wisdom tooth extractions are done under local anaesthesia in a normal dental chair. Some more deeply impacted cases may need referral for a slightly more involved surgical extraction. Recovery is typically a few days of swelling and soft food. If your wisdom teeth are bothering you, or you are not sure whether yours need attention, message us on WhatsApp and we will take an X-ray and give you a clear answer.