Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of molars to erupt, often appearing during the late teens or early adulthood. Some wisdom teeth erupt without causing problems, while others may become impacted, partially erupted or difficult to clean. These situations can be associated with pain, swelling, infection, tooth decay or gum problems.
Deciding whether wisdom teeth should be removed depends on factors such as their position, eruption status, surrounding tissues, symptoms and other clinical findings. At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, wisdom teeth assessments and removal are available where clinically appropriate.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. Their position and available space vary between individuals, and some may not erupt fully or may emerge at an angle.
Wisdom teeth may erupt at an angle, remain partially erupted or stay impacted beneath the gums. Depending on their position and surrounding tissues, possible concerns can include:
- Impaction: An impacted wisdom tooth may be associated with pain, swelling or other changes in the surrounding tissues.
- Gum inflammation or decay: Partially erupted or difficult-to-clean wisdom teeth may develop plaque accumulation, decay or inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Jaw discomfort: Some people with impacted or inflamed wisdom teeth may experience discomfort or difficulty opening the mouth.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. However, certain symptoms may warrant dental assessment to determine whether monitoring, treatment or removal is appropriate.
- Persistent Jaw Pain or Discomfort
- Pain at the back of the mouth can have several causes, including inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, decay, infection or other dental conditions.
- Swollen, Red, or Bleeding Gums
- Swelling, redness or tenderness around a partially erupted wisdom tooth may be associated with pericoronitis or another local gum condition. A dentist can assess the area to determine the cause.
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
- Jaw stiffness or soreness can occur for several reasons, including inflammation around a wisdom tooth, jaw joint problems or other dental conditions.
- Frequent Headaches or Ear Pain
- Headache or ear-area discomfort can have many possible causes. If these symptoms occur alongside pain or swelling around a wisdom tooth, dental assessment may be appropriate.
Why Wisdom Teeth May Be Removed
Wisdom teeth may be removed when there is a clinical reason to do so, such as recurrent infection, decay, damage to nearby structures or another identified problem.
Reasons a dentist may consider removal include recurrent pericoronitis, decay affecting the wisdom tooth or neighbouring tooth, pathology associated with the tooth, or difficulty maintaining the area where this is contributing to disease.
When Wisdom Teeth Can Stay
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Monitoring may be appropriate where the teeth and surrounding tissues are healthy and there is no current clinical reason for extraction. Factors considered may include:
- Whether the tooth is fully or adequately erupted
- Whether there are signs of decay, gum disease or other pathology
- Its position relative to nearby teeth and structures
- Whether the area can be cleaned effectively
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
If removal is considered appropriate, the extraction approach depends on the tooth position, degree of impaction and surrounding structures. The procedure may involve:
- Anaesthesia and Sedation Options
- Local anaesthesia is commonly used for wisdom tooth extraction. Sedation or other anaesthetic options may be discussed for suitable patients depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.
- Tooth Removal
- The dentist removes the wisdom tooth using a technique based on its position and degree of impaction. This may involve making an incision in the gum and, in some cases, dividing the tooth into sections before removal.
- Post-Procedure Care
- After extraction, swelling, discomfort and changes around the surgical site can occur. The severity and duration vary between patients. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions covering cleaning, diet, activity and medication where appropriate.
How a Dentist Decides Whether Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
Whether wisdom teeth should be removed depends on their position, eruption status, symptoms, surrounding tissues and other clinical findings. Pain, swelling or recurrent infection warrants dental assessment, but extraction is not automatically required in every case.
At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal are available where clinically appropriate. Emergency dentist services are also available for urgent dental concerns.
If you are experiencing pain, swelling or other concerns around a wisdom tooth, arrange a dental assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery varies depending on the type of extraction, degree of impaction, individual healing response and other clinical factors. Your dentist can provide aftercare advice based on the procedure performed. - Are there any risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal has potential risks, which may include bleeding, infection, dry socket, injury to nearby structures and temporary or, less commonly, persistent nerve changes depending on the tooth position. Your dentist can discuss risks relevant to your individual case. - What can I eat after the procedure?
Follow the dietary instructions provided by your dentist after the procedure. Recommendations may vary depending on the extraction and individual healing. - Will removing my wisdom teeth change my face shape?
Wisdom tooth removal is not generally undertaken to change facial appearance. If you have concerns about changes in your face or jaw after surgery, discuss them with your dentist. - Can wisdom teeth grow back?
Wisdom teeth do not grow back after removal. Some people may have additional teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, which are separate from the removed wisdom teeth and can be assessed if identified.
