Written by Dr. Cristian Dunker, BDSc, MBA
Wisdom teeth are something most of us will deal with at some point. They're the last set of molars to come through, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. For some people they arrive without any trouble at all. For others, they can cause real pain and lead to problems that need attention.
If you're wondering whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, or you're preparing for an extraction, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the very last teeth at the back of your mouth. Most adults develop four wisdom teeth (one in each corner), though some people develop fewer or none at all. It's completely normal either way.
Historically, these extra molars were useful for our ancestors who ate a rougher diet of raw plants and uncooked meat. Modern diets don't require the same chewing power, and our jaws have evolved to be smaller. This means there's often not enough room for wisdom teeth to come through properly.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to come out. If yours have come through straight, aren't causing pain, and you can clean them properly, they can usually stay. But removal is often recommended when wisdom teeth are:
Impacted: Stuck beneath the gum or bone because there isn't enough room for them to emerge
Partially erupted: Only partly through the gum, creating a flap of tissue that traps food and bacteria
Causing crowding: Pushing against neighbouring teeth and shifting your alignment
Decayed or infected: Hard to clean due to their position, leading to cavities or gum infection
Associated with cysts: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts that damage surrounding bone
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
When a wisdom tooth can't fully emerge, it's called an impaction. There are three main types:
Vertical impaction: The tooth is in the right position but hasn't broken through the gum. Often monitored rather than removed unless it's causing pressure or pain
Angular impaction: The tooth is tilted at an angle toward the neighbouring tooth. The steeper the angle, the more likely extraction will be needed
Horizontal impaction: The tooth is lying on its side, growing into the roots of the adjacent molar. This is the most problematic type and usually requires surgical removal
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Problems
If you're experiencing any of the following, it's worth having your wisdom teeth assessed:
Pain or aching at the back of your jaw
Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums around the back teeth
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that won't go away
Headaches or ear pain on one side
A feeling of pressure behind your other teeth
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The procedure depends on whether the tooth has erupted or is impacted:
Simple extraction: If the tooth is visible above the gum line, your dentist can remove it with local anaesthesia in a straightforward procedure, similar to any other tooth extraction.
Surgical extraction: If the tooth is impacted beneath the gum or bone, a small incision is made to access and remove it. This is done under local anaesthesia (and sometimes sedation for anxious patients). The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
At ArtSmiles, we use digital X-rays and 3D imaging to plan each extraction carefully, minimising discomfort and recovery time.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most people recover within a few days to a week. Here's what to expect:
First 24 hours: Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort is normal. Apply ice packs (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) and rest with your head elevated
Pain management: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Start before the anaesthesia wears off
Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days (soup, yoghurt, mashed potato, smoothies without a straw)
Oral hygiene: Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first day. After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water
Avoid: Smoking for at least 48 hours (ideally longer), alcohol, vigorous rinsing, and using straws
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Left Alone?
Yes, if they're healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly, and you can clean them effectively. Your dentist will monitor them at your regular check-ups and only recommend removal if there's a clinical reason to do so.
If you're unsure whether your wisdom teeth need attention, the best step is to have them assessed. An X-ray can show exactly what's happening beneath the surface, even before symptoms appear.
We're Here to Help
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or you'd just like to know where things stand, our team at ArtSmiles in Southport can take a look and give you clear, honest advice about your options.
Book an appointment or call us on (07) 5588 3677. We'll make sure you're comfortable and well looked after, whatever the outcome.