Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. For many people, the jaw doesn't have enough room: they stay trapped, come in at an angle or only partly break through.
We don't remove them on principle. If they're well positioned and easy to clean, they can stay. If not, it's better to remove them before they cause an infection or damage the tooth next to them.
When should wisdom teeth come out?
- Pain, swelling or pressure at the back of the jaw
- A partly erupted tooth where the gum keeps getting infected
- An impacted tooth pushing against the neighbouring molar
- Decay or gum disease that can't be treated that far back
- A cyst or abnormality seen on an X-ray
What to expect
- Step 1
Assessment
An X-ray shows the position of the teeth, their roots and how close they are to the nerve and the sinus. The dentist tells you whether it's best to act now, keep an eye on them or leave them alone.
- Step 2
Planning
Depending on the difficulty, the extraction is done at the clinic under local anaesthesia. Complex cases — deeply impacted teeth or ones very close to the nerve — may be referred to an oral surgery specialist, which is standard practice.
- Step 3
Extraction
The area is numbed. If the tooth is under the gum, the dentist makes a small opening and removes it, sometimes in sections. You feel pressure, not pain.
- Step 4
Recovery
You leave with written instructions and, if needed, a prescription. Plan on two or three quieter days; most people are back to normal within a few days.
What it changes
- No more bouts of infection and pain at the back of the mouth
- The neighbouring molar is protected from decay and pressure
- Easier cleaning day to day
- An easier recovery when it's done young, before the roots are fully formed
Frequently asked questions
No. If they've come in properly, are well aligned and you can brush them, they can stay. What we do recommend is having them assessed in your late teens or early twenties, then keeping an eye on them at each exam.
It depends on their position, the difficulty and your preference. Some patients prefer one recovery period; others prefer doing one side at a time. We decide together.
Swelling peaks around day two or three, then goes down. Most people are comfortable after four to seven days. Soft food, ice on the first day, no smoking and no straws all help a lot.
After an extraction under local anaesthesia, yes, most patients can get themselves home. If you'd rather have someone with you, that's always a good idea. If your case is referred to a specialist, their instructions apply.