Understanding wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to develop. They typically appear between the late teens and early twenties. While some people have no issues at all, others may find their wisdom teeth only partially emerge—or stay buried beneath the gums.
Common problems with wisdom teeth
Since wisdom teeth are the last to arrive, there’s often not enough room in the mouth to accommodate them. This can cause them to:
- Grow in at an angle
- Only partially erupt through the gum
- Push against nearby teeth
These issues can lead to discomfort, pain, or more serious complications. Partially erupted (impacted) wisdom teeth are especially tricky. Because they are harder to clean, they can trap bacteria and food debris. This build-up can lead to pericoronitis, a painful condition where the gum becomes swollen and infected.
If you notice pain, swelling, or signs of infection, please contact us right away. Prompt treatment is important to prevent the condition from worsening.
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Wisdom tooth removal
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing issues, we generally recommend leaving them in place. There is no strong evidence that removing symptom-free wisdom teeth offers long-term benefits.
However, if your wisdom teeth are causing problems—or are likely to—removal may be advised.
- Simple Extractions: For teeth that have fully emerged, our experienced dentists perform the procedure under local anaesthetic.
- Complex or Impacted Teeth: These may require intravenous/inhalation sedation.
- Procedure Time: Straightforward extractions usually take only a few minutes. More complex cases may take 20 minutes or longer.
If you are feeling anxious about the procedure, rest assured—our experienced team is specially trained to support nervous patients and handle even the most complex extractions with care and compassion.
