Do wisdom teeth need to come out?

Many people are told to have their wisdom teeth out. Sometimes that is the right advice, and sometimes the teeth can be left. The decision depends on your own mouth.

When removal is usually advised

• The gum around the tooth keeps getting infected and swollen.
• The tooth has a cavity that cannot be repaired, or gum disease around it.
• It is pressing on the tooth in front and damaging it.
• A cyst or other disease has formed around it.
• It causes repeated pain that has no other cause.
• It is in the way of other planned dental treatment.

When it can often be left alone

• The tooth has come through fully and straight.
• You can clean it well, and it gives no trouble.
• It is buried and an X-ray shows no sign of disease.
• Taking it out would carry more risk than leaving it, for example because it lies close to a nerve.

Your dentist may advise watching the tooth with a check and an X-ray from time to time.

Is it better to take them out young?

Often it is easier when roots are still forming and the bone is softer, and recovery tends to be quicker in younger people. But that does not mean every young person needs them out. If there is no problem and no sign of one, many dentists prefer to wait and watch.

What does the dentist look at?

How the tooth lies on the X-ray, how much of it is through the gum, whether it is infected or decayed, how close it is to a nerve, and your age, health and medicines. For a difficult tooth, you may be sent to a specialist.

What are the risks of removal?

Pain and swelling for a few days, bleeding, and sometimes dry socket, which is a painful healing problem. See dry socket. Rarely there is numbness of the lip or tongue, usually temporary. Your dentist will explain the risks for your tooth.

What are the risks of leaving it?

Repeated infection, decay and damage to the next tooth, if the tooth is already causing trouble. A tooth that gives no trouble usually carries little risk.

Ask these questions

What is the tooth doing now? What could happen if we wait? What are the risks of taking it out? Is there a choice? See what to expect from an extraction.

When to see a dentist

Ask for a check if you have pain, a swollen gum at the back, or have been told your wisdom teeth are impacted. Dental care is available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.