Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth out. Here is how to tell whether you do.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually between 17 and 25. Some people have four, some have none, and some have them come in perfectly well and keep them for life.
The problem is space. Most modern jaws do not have room, so the teeth come in at an angle, partially erupt, or stay trapped in the bone.
When They Need to Come Out
- Pain or recurring infection around a partially erupted tooth — the flap of gum over it traps bacteria and becomes inflamed
- Impaction — the tooth is angled into the neighbouring molar, or trapped in bone
- Decay — wisdom teeth sit at the very back and are difficult to clean, so they decay readily
- Damage to the tooth in front — an angled wisdom tooth pressing against the second molar can decay it or resorb its root
- Cysts forming around an impacted tooth
- Gum disease localised around the area because it cannot be cleaned
When They Can Stay
If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, in a functional position, cleanable and causing no problems, there is no need to remove them. Routine extraction of healthy, asymptomatic wisdom teeth is not something we recommend.
We will monitor them at your checkups with periodic X-rays. If that changes, we will tell you.
Assessment
We examine the area and take an X-ray showing the position of the roots and their relationship to the nerve in the lower jaw and the sinus above. That determines how complex removal would be and what the risks are.
Some cases are straightforward and we handle them here. Deeply impacted teeth, or roots very close to the nerve, are sometimes better referred to an oral surgeon — we will tell you plainly which category you fall into. See oral surgery.
The Procedure
Fully erupted wisdom teeth are removed like any other tooth extraction. Impacted teeth require a small incision and the tooth is often sectioned to remove it in pieces, which is gentler on the surrounding bone than forcing it whole. A few dissolvable stitches close the site.
The area is fully frozen. Sedation is available and many patients choose it, particularly when having more than one removed at a time.
Recovery
Expect swelling peaking around day two or three, then improving. Most people take a couple of days off and feel largely normal within a week.
- No rinsing, spitting, smoking or straws for 24 hours — this prevents dry socket
- Cold compress for the first day, warm salt water rinses from day two
- Soft food, and keep hydrated
- Take pain relief before the freezing wears off rather than after
Contact us if pain sharply worsens after day three, swelling keeps increasing past day three, or you develop a fever.
Cost and Coverage
Cost depends heavily on complexity — an erupted tooth is priced as a simple extraction, a fully impacted one as surgical. Sedation is quoted separately. See fees and payment.
Most private plans cover wisdom tooth removal at least partially. We submit a predetermination for surgical cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have all four out at once?
Often it makes sense — one recovery instead of two. If you need to keep chewing on one side, we can do one side at a time.
What age is best?
Late teens to early twenties, when roots are not yet fully formed and bone is more elastic. Removal later is still routine, just with a slightly longer recovery.
Will I be swollen?
Usually, for a few days, especially with impacted teeth. Cold compresses on day one help considerably.
Can I drive home?
With local anaesthetic only, yes. With sedation, arrange a ride.
Book a Consultation
Book online and we will assess whether yours actually need removing.