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When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed? Signs, Risks and Recovery
Written by Dr Raj, Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours (University of Queensland), Comfort Dental Riverwood
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually between the late teens and mid-twenties. Some people never have a problem with them; others find there isn't enough room. This guide explains the warning signs, how wisdom teeth are assessed, and what to expect if removal is recommended.
Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?
Modern jaws often don't have enough space for a third set of molars. When a wisdom tooth can't come through fully, it's called impacted. It may be stuck under the gum, tilted against the tooth in front, or only partly through.
Partly erupted wisdom teeth
A flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth can trap food and bacteria, leading to a painful infection called pericoronitis.
Impacted wisdom teeth
A tooth that pushes against the molar in front can cause decay or damage to that tooth, which may be hard to clean and treat.
Signs your wisdom teeth need attention
Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
Swollen, tender or bleeding gums behind your last molars
A bad taste or bad breath that doesn't go away
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Food regularly getting trapped at the back of your mouth
Pain when biting on your back teeth
How are wisdom teeth assessed?
We examine your mouth and take X-rays to see the position of each wisdom tooth, its roots, and how close it sits to nearby nerves and sinuses. Based on this, we'll explain whether the tooth can be monitored, or whether removal is the better option.
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have come through fully, can be cleaned properly and aren't causing problems can often stay. We'll keep an eye on them at your regular check-ups.
What does removal involve?
Many wisdom teeth can be removed in the chair at our clinic under local anaesthetic. More complex cases, such as teeth deeply impacted or close to a nerve, may be referred to an oral surgeon. We'll talk you through the procedure, costs and recovery before booking treatment.
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, wisdom tooth removal carries risks. These can include pain and swelling, infection, bleeding, dry socket (when the blood clot in the socket is lost), and, uncommonly, temporary or longer-lasting numbness of the lip, chin or tongue. We'll explain your individual risks based on your X-rays.
Recovery tips
Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
Take pain relief as advised.
Eat soft foods and avoid hot drinks while you're numb.
Don't smoke or use a straw, as suction can dislodge the clot.
After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals.
Call us if you have severe pain that gets worse after a few days, swelling that keeps increasing, or a fever.
Summary
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, but problems are easier to manage when they're found early. An examination and X-ray will show whether your wisdom teeth can stay, or whether removal is the safer choice.
Worried about your wisdom teeth?
We're at 233 Belmore Road, Riverwood, and open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm. Book online in a minute, or call (02) 9534 6334.
Wisdom teeth FAQs
At what age should wisdom teeth be checked?
We usually start monitoring them in the mid to late teens, as part of regular check-ups.
Can wisdom teeth be removed at your clinic?
Many can. If yours need specialist care, we'll refer you to an oral surgeon.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel much better within a few days, though full healing of the gum takes a few weeks.
Where are you?
We're at 233 Belmore Road, near Riverwood station, and easy to reach from Mortdale, Padstow Heights and Peakhurst. Book online or call (02) 9534 6334.
This article is general information only. It isn't a substitute for advice from a dentist who has examined you. Any invasive procedure carries risks; before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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