Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth. They usually appear when you are between the ages of 17 and 25, although sometimes they appear many years later.
Do wisdom teeth always cause problems?
Often there will be some slight discomfort as they come through, but this will disappear once the tooth is fully in position.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
If there is not enough room, the wisdom tooth may try to come through, but will get stuck against the tooth in front of it. The wisdom tooth will be at an angle, this is called an ‘impacted’ wisdom tooth.
What can I do to help relieve the discomfort of wisdom teeth?
It is best you make an appointment to have a consult with one of our Dentists. It is important to assess and help to relieve the pain and offer the best advice.
What are the main reasons for taking wisdom teeth out?
Far fewer wisdom teeth are now taken out than in the past. If the tooth is not causing problems, your dentist will not want to remove it. They will only remove wisdom teeth:
- When it is clear that they will not be able to come through into a useful position because there is not enough room, and they are also causing some pain or discomfort.
- Un-restorable decay
- Problems with 2nd Molars
- Cysts and possible tumours
- Orthodontic problem
- If they have only partly come through and are decayed – these teeth will often decay as it will be difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth.
- Recurrent infection
- If they are painful.
Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?
It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Our Dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted. Our dentist will say whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be referred to a specialist oral surgeon.
Will it make any difference to my face or mouth?
Removing wisdom teeth may cause some swelling for a few days. But as soon as the area is healed, there will be no difference to your face or appearance.
