Wisdom Teeth

What are they?

​

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to appear, at the back of the mouth, from the late teens onwards. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is not unusual to have fewer – or even none.

Because they are the last teeth to form, there sometimes isn’t room for them. They come through at an anngle, pressing against the teeth in front or the bone behind.

 

What will my dentist do?

Watching how your teeth and jaws grow is part of your regular dental care. Do tell your dentist if you think there may be a problem.

​

• X-ray pictures can show where the wisdom teeth are in the jaw and how much room there is for them to come through, as well as showing if they are causing any damage to the teeth in front.

• The Xrays will also show how simple or difficult it may be to take a wisdom tooth out.

 

As wisdom teeth are coming through, the surrounding gum sometimes become inflamed and sore. This is called pericoronitis. It may settle down or come and go over a period. It is usually betyter to remove a wisdom tooth if you have repeated bouts of periocoronitis.

​

If you need to have a wisdom tooth removed, you should be able to fit it in with your other commitments.

Sometimes, you may be referred to a specialist to have a problem wisdom tooth removed in hospital.

Most wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthetic but depending on how difficult the tooth is to remove, sedation (something to make you drowsy) or general anaesthetic (only given in hospitals) may be considered.

Depending on your job you may need to take two or three days off work to recover from your wisdom tooth operation. If you have had a general anaesthetic then you will need time off work to recover from the effects of the anaesthetic.

Sometimes nerves can be damaged when lower wisdom teeth are removed. This leads to numbness in part of the tounge or in some teeth and part of the lower lip and chin – but this is usually temporary.

 

What are the benefits of removing wisdom teethwhich are causing problems?

• If you have your wisdom teeth removed, there will be no more pain and infection.

• It will usually make it easier for you to keep your mouth clean.

 

Normally there is no need to have wisdom teeth removed unless they are causing you problems.