Do You Really Need to Have Your Wisdom Tooth Removed?

02/08/2016

Do You Really Need to Have Your Wisdom Tooth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop. They usually appear during the late teens or early twenties. Some people have four wisdom teeth, while others have fewer or none.

Having wisdom teeth does not always mean they need to be removed.

If a wisdom tooth is healthy, fully erupted, easy to clean and not causing problems, your dentist may recommend keeping it and monitoring it. Removal may be advised when a wisdom tooth is causing pain, infection, decay, gum problems, damage to another tooth or other dental concerns.

The decision should be based on an examination and, where needed, dental X-rays.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth.

Most people develop them during their late teens or early adulthood. However, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth.

Some wisdom teeth grow normally and become useful chewing teeth. Others do not have enough room to come through correctly.

When there is not enough space, a wisdom tooth may become impacted. This means the tooth cannot fully erupt into the mouth.

An impacted wisdom tooth may grow at an angle, remain partly covered by gum or stay completely below the gum.

The current Oatlands Dental Lounge article explains that wisdom teeth can become impacted when there is not enough space for them to grow normally.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

No.

A wisdom tooth does not automatically need to be removed simply because it is a wisdom tooth.

If the tooth is healthy, does not cause pain or infection, and can be cleaned properly, your dentist may recommend leaving it in place.

Your dentist may monitor the tooth during routine examinations.

Removal is more likely to be considered when the tooth is causing a current or likely dental problem.

This can include:

• Repeated pain
• Infection around the tooth
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• An impacted tooth
• Damage to a nearby tooth
• Food becoming trapped around the tooth
• Cysts or other problems around the tooth
• Lack of space that causes repeated problems

When Should a Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?

There is no single rule that applies to every patient.

Your dentist will look at the position and condition of the wisdom tooth. They may also use an X-ray to see the tooth and its roots.

Removal may be recommended if the wisdom tooth is:

Causing pain

Pain at the back of the mouth can occur when a wisdom tooth is erupting or becomes impacted.

Causing an infection

A partially erupted wisdom tooth can be difficult to clean. Food and bacteria can collect around the tooth and may lead to inflammation or infection.

Decayed

A wisdom tooth can develop decay like any other tooth. If the tooth cannot be restored properly, extraction may be considered.

Affecting another tooth

A wisdom tooth that grows at an unusual angle may put pressure on the tooth next to it or make cleaning more difficult.

Impacted

An impacted wisdom tooth may remain partly or fully below the gum. Depending on its position, it may cause pain, infection or damage to nearby structures.

Difficult to clean

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth. This can make brushing and cleaning between the tooth and gum harder.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully grow into its normal position.

It may be:

• Partially impacted – part of the tooth has come through the gum
• Fully impacted – the tooth remains under the gum
• Angled – the tooth grows towards another tooth
• Sideways – the tooth is positioned almost horizontally
• Blocked – there is not enough space for normal eruption

Not every impacted wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Your dentist will assess its position and any effect it is having on your oral health.

An X-ray can help the dental team understand the position of the tooth and its roots before deciding on treatment. The current Oatlands article also explains that X-rays may be used to assess the tooth before extraction.

What Happens Before Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Before extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine the tooth and your general dental health.

You may need an X-ray to assess:

• The position of the tooth
• The shape and position of the roots
• The relationship between the wisdom tooth and nearby teeth
• Whether the tooth is impacted
• How complex the extraction may be

Your medical history and any medicines you take should also be discussed before treatment.

At Oatlands Dental Lounge, the oral surgery team states that patients are assessed before extraction and are given information about the procedure.

If you are nervous about treatment, tell your dental team before the procedure. Sedation may be an option for suitable patients.

How Is a Wisdom Tooth Removed?

The type of extraction depends on the position of the tooth.

Simple extraction

If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and can be accessed easily, it may be removed in a similar way to other teeth.

The dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area before removing the tooth.

Surgical extraction

A surgical extraction may be needed if the wisdom tooth is impacted or difficult to access.

The procedure may involve making a small opening in the gum and removing the tooth in sections if required.

The exact approach depends on the position of the tooth and its roots.

Oatlands Dental Lounge provides specialist oral surgery for more complex extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

The area is normally numbed with a local anaesthetic before extraction.

This means you should not feel the extraction itself, although you may feel pressure during the procedure.

After the anaesthetic wears off, you may have some pain, swelling or discomfort. The level of discomfort depends on the complexity of the extraction and the individual patient.

Your dental team will give you aftercare advice and explain how to manage your recovery.

Oatlands Dental Lounge states that local anaesthetic is used during tooth extraction and provides patients with aftercare instructions following the procedure.

How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Take?

The time needed depends on the tooth.

A straightforward extraction may be relatively quick. A complex impacted wisdom tooth can take longer because the tooth may need to be accessed through the gum or divided into sections.

At Oatlands Dental Lounge, the practice states that tooth extraction generally does not take longer than an hour, although the exact time will depend on the case.

Your dentist or oral surgeon should explain the expected procedure time before treatment.

What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Some discomfort and swelling can occur after wisdom tooth extraction.

Your dental team will give you instructions on how to care for the extraction site.

Depending on your procedure, you may be advised to:

• Take recommended pain relief
• Keep the area clean as instructed
• Avoid disturbing the extraction site
• Follow any dietary advice
• Avoid smoking
• Attend a follow-up appointment if required

The extraction site can take several weeks to fully heal. Oatlands Dental Lounge states that an extraction site should fully heal within a matter of weeks.

If you develop severe or increasing pain, heavy bleeding, swelling, fever or other worrying symptoms, contact your dental team promptly.

What Is Dry Socket?

A dry socket is a possible complication after a tooth extraction.

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot normally forms in the socket. This clot helps protect the underlying bone and nerves while the area heals.

A dry socket can occur when the blood clot does not form properly or is lost too early.

The condition can cause significant pain, often a few days after extraction.

Oatlands Dental Lounge has previously published information about dry socket and notes that it is more commonly linked with lower wisdom tooth extractions.

If you develop severe pain several days after an extraction, contact your dentist for advice.

Are There Risks With Wisdom Tooth Removal?

As with any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth removal has some risks.

The level of risk depends on the position of the tooth and its roots.

Possible complications can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Dry socket
• Temporary difficulty opening the mouth
• Damage to nearby structures
• Temporary or, rarely, longer-lasting nerve problems

Your dentist or oral surgeon should explain the risks that apply to your particular tooth before treatment.

This is especially important when an impacted wisdom tooth is close to important nerves or other structures.

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Problems?

No.

Some people have wisdom teeth that grow normally and remain healthy.

If a wisdom tooth is not causing a problem, it may not need to be removed.

This is why an examination is important. Removing a healthy tooth without a clear reason is different from removing a tooth that is causing repeated infection, decay, pain or other problems.

The decision should be made after looking at the tooth, your oral health and your individual risk.

Can You Keep an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Sometimes.

An impacted wisdom tooth does not automatically mean extraction is required.

Your dentist will assess its position and condition. They may consider whether it is causing symptoms, whether it can be cleaned and whether it is affecting nearby teeth.

In some cases, monitoring may be appropriate. In others, removal may be the safer option.

Your dentist can explain why a particular approach is recommended for you.

How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the extraction.

A simple extraction may cost less than a surgical extraction because a surgical procedure can require more time and specialist treatment.

Oatlands Dental Lounge currently lists:

• Oral surgery consultation – £150
• Non-surgical extractions – from £350
• Surgical extractions – from £500
• Removal of wisdom teeth – from £550

These are the current prices shown on the practice’s fees page and may change.

Patients should confirm the latest price and the expected treatment cost during their consultation.

Can Nervous Patients Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Dental anxiety is common, and it is important to tell your dental team if you are nervous about treatment.

Oatlands Dental Lounge offers sedation for suitable nervous patients undergoing oral surgery. The practice also has specialist oral surgery support within the clinic.

The type of sedation available will depend on your health, treatment and clinical assessment.

What Should You Ask Before Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Before agreeing to an extraction, ask your dentist:

• Why does the tooth need to be removed?
• Is the tooth impacted?
• Can the tooth be monitored instead?
• Do I need an X-ray?
• Will I need a simple or surgical extraction?
• How long will the procedure take?
• What are the risks in my case?
• What type of anaesthetic or sedation will I receive?
• How long should recovery take?
• What will the treatment cost?

These questions can help you understand why extraction has been recommended and what to expect.

Do You Really Need to Have Your Wisdom Tooth Removed?

Not always.

A healthy wisdom tooth that is not causing problems may not need to be removed. However, an impacted, decayed, infected or painful wisdom tooth may need treatment.

The right decision depends on the position of the tooth, your symptoms, your oral health and the findings from your dental examination and X-rays.

If your dentist has recommended wisdom tooth removal, ask them to explain the reason for extraction and the alternatives available.

For complex cases, specialist oral surgery may be appropriate. Oatlands Dental Lounge provides oral surgery for challenging extractions and impacted wisdom teeth.