Wisdom teeth: why waiting could cost you (and when to act)
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, but they don’t always need to come out. Here’s what to look out for, when to get them checked and what to expect if you need them removed.
There’s a good chance your wisdom teeth will make an appearance in your late teens or twenties. They’re the last adult teeth to come through, but your jaw may not have enough room for them.
Wisdom teeth are the third adult molars at the very back of your mouth. Most people have four, but some people have fewer or none at all.
Sometimes, a wisdom tooth doesn’t come through the gum properly because there isn’t enough space. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth. It may sit at an angle and press against the tooth or bone beside it.
Why do we even have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth may be a leftover from a time when people ate tougher, coarser foods. Larger jaws and extra molars gave our ancestors more chewing power.
Impacted wisdom teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth hasn’t fully come through the gum in the right position. It may cause pain, infection or other problems.
Food and bacteria can also get trapped around a partly emerged tooth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted or likely to cause complications, your dentist may recommend having them removed.
Wisdom teeth myths, busted
Your nib dentist will assess whether extraction is actually needed.
- Myth: if they don’t hurt, they’re fine.
Fact: Damage such as decay or cysts can develop before you feel any pain, which is why regular check-ups and x-rays matter. - Myth: removal always means major surgery.
Fact: Some wisdom teeth can be removed in the dental chair using local anaesthetic. More complex cases may need a specialist or hospital-based care. - Myth: there’s a strict age limit for removal.
Fact: Wisdom teeth can be assessed and removed at any age, and your nib dentist can advise on the right timing for you.
What happens when wisdom teeth are removed?
Depending on how complex the removal is, your wisdom teeth may be taken out by a dentist or specialist at a dental practice or hospital.
Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove using local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted, so some people may need general anaesthetic.
During the procedure, your dentist will open the gum to reach the tooth and carefully remove it. They may take it out in sections if needed.
When should I get my wisdom teeth checked?
Wisdom teeth don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Here are some signs to mention to your dentist:
- Pain, tenderness or pressure at the back of your jaw
- Red, swollen or tender gum around the back molars
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or jaw stiffness
- A persistent, bad taste that brushing doesn’t fix
- Pain when chewing, or your front teeth seeming to shift
These symptoms don’t always mean there’s a problem with your wisdom teeth. But if they persist or get worse, it’s a good idea to book a check-up.
Seek urgent medical or dental care if you have severe swelling, difficulty swallowing or a fever with jaw pain.
Recovery reality: what to actually expect
Some swelling, discomfort and light bleeding are normal for the first few days after having a wisdom tooth removed. Complications aren’t common, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
For the first 24 hours:
- rest with your head raised
- use an ice pack as directed
- stick to soft foods
- avoid straws and vigorous rinsing, as these can disturb the blood clot that helps the area heal.
Swelling and discomfort are often at their worst after two to three days, then gradually ease over the next week. Your dentist may recommend gentle saltwater rinses to help keep the area clean.
Many straightforward extractions settle within one to two weeks, but impacted lower wisdom teeth may take longer. Contact your dentist if the pain or swelling gets worse after the first few days. You should also get in touch if you have a fever, discharge or bleeding that won’t stop, as these can be signs of an infection or dry socket.
The cost of waiting
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing pain, getting them checked might not feel urgent. But some problems can develop before you notice anything’s wrong and make removal more complex later on.
An infection can flare up or spread, while pressure from a wisdom tooth can damage the tooth beside it. A cyst can also develop around a wisdom tooth that hasn’t come through.
As you get older, the roots can grow longer and the bone around the tooth can become denser. This can make later extraction more complex than it might have been earlier on.
An early check-up gives your dentist a clearer picture of what’s happening. It doesn’t mean you’ll need treatment, but it can help you plan ahead rather than wait until the tooth becomes painful.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Your nib dentist will check your mouth and may recommend an x-ray to see where your wisdom teeth are sitting, including their roots and nearby nerves. If they’re impacted or causing problems, your dentist may recommend having them removed.
Worried about your wisdom teeth? Book a Wisdom Tooth Removal Consult with a nib Dental dentist to get them checked and talk through your options.
