Welcome to our dental health blog, where we provide expert advice to help you understand and manage your oral health.

Introduction

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. For some people, wisdom teeth grow in without any issues, but for many others, they can cause pain, crowding, or infection. According to the British Dental Association, wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common dental procedures, with thousands of people in the UK needing extraction every year.

In this blog, we’ll explain when and why wisdom teeth might need to be removed, what to expect from the procedure, and how to care for your mouth afterward.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While they were once useful for our ancestors, who had larger jaws and ate rougher food, wisdom teeth are often unnecessary in modern diets. Due to evolutionary changes, many people do not have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these extra molars, leading to potential complications.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. For some, wisdom teeth grow in properly aligned and don’t cause any problems. However, in many cases, wisdom teeth can lead to complications, especially if they don’t have enough room to grow or emerge incorrectly.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Impaction

An impacted tooth is one that is unable to fully erupt through the gums due to lack of space or improper alignment. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. They may be:

• Partially Impacted: The tooth partially erupts but remains partly covered by gum tissue.
• Fully Impacted: The tooth remains entirely trapped beneath the gums and may grow at an angle, pressing against other teeth.

2. Crowding

Wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to grow, leading to crowding of the other teeth. This can cause your existing teeth to shift, leading to misalignment or the need for orthodontic correction.

3. Decay and Gum Disease

Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be difficult to clean properly. This makes them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, food and bacteria can become trapped around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, leading to pericoronitis—a painful infection of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

4. Cysts or Tumours

In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumours in the jawbone, which can cause damage to nearby teeth and bone.

Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult your dentist to determine whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary:

• Pain or swelling at the back of your mouth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the wisdom teeth
• Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Pressure or pain in your other teeth

Even if you’re not experiencing any discomfort, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal if X-rays show that the teeth are likely to cause problems in the future.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure that is usually straightforward, especially when performed early before complications arise. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

1. Initial Consultation and X-Rays

Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the position and development of your wisdom teeth. Based on the findings, they’ll recommend whether extraction is necessary. If the procedure is complex, you may be referred to an oral surgeon.

2. The Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal can typically be done under local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and your personal preference.

• Local Anaesthesia: Numbs the area around the tooth.
• Sedation: Helps you relax while remaining conscious.
• General Anaesthesia: Used for more complicated cases, putting you into a sleep-like state.

The dentist or surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone. The tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, and the gum is stitched up.

3. Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is key to ensuring a smooth healing process.

Aftercare Tips:

• Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 hours to allow your body to heal.
• Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
• Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt for the first few days.
• Avoid Smoking and Straws: These can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does everyone need to have their wisdom teeth removed?

A: No, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth grow in properly aligned and don’t cause any pain or dental issues, you may not need to have them extracted. However, regular dental check-ups and X-rays are important to monitor their development.

Q2: Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

A: The procedure itself is typically pain-free due to local anaesthesia or sedation. After the extraction, some discomfort and swelling are normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and proper aftercare.

Q3: How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth extraction?

A: Most people recover from wisdom tooth removal in 3 to 7 days. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to avoid complications like dry socket.

Q4: What happens if I don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth?

A: If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, they can cause ongoing pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or even damage to the jawbone.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but when they do cause problems like pain, infection, or crowding, extraction is often the best solution. By scheduling regular dental check-ups and X-rays, you and your dentist can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and decide on the best course of action to maintain your oral health.

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth or would like to know more about the extraction process, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Early evaluation can prevent complications and ensure a smooth, pain-free recovery.