Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some wisdom teeth come through normally, are easy to clean, and do not cause problems. Others may become painful, infected, decayed, or trapped under the gum.
A dental assessment and X-rays can help determine whether wisdom teeth should be monitored, cleaned, treated, removed, or referred for specialist care.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood, although not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth.
Because they come through last, there may not be enough space for them to erupt properly.
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. Wisdom teeth do not automatically need to be removed. If they are fully erupted, healthy, easy to clean and not affecting nearby teeth, they may simply be monitored during regular dental check-ups.
Removal may be considered when they are causing symptoms or are likely to create ongoing dental problems.
When might wisdom teeth need removal?
Wisdom teeth may need to come out if they are:
- Repeatedly painful or swollen
- Partly erupted and trapping food or bacteria
- Causing gum infection around the tooth
- Decayed or difficult to restore
- Damaging or pushing against the tooth in front
- Associated with cysts or other X-ray findings
- Impossible to clean properly
- Unlikely to erupt into a healthy position
What does impacted wisdom tooth mean?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that is trapped under the gum or bone, or stuck at an angle so it cannot come through properly.
Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms and can be monitored. Others may cause pain, swelling, infection or damage to nearby teeth.
Warning signs to watch for
Book a dental assessment if you notice:
- Pain at the back of the mouth
- Swollen gum around a wisdom tooth
- Bad taste or bad breath from the area
- Pain when chewing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Jaw pressure or soreness
- Recurring flare-ups in the same area
- Swelling of the face or jaw
When is wisdom tooth pain urgent?
Call a dentist promptly if you have severe wisdom tooth pain, swelling, fever, bad taste, difficulty opening your mouth, or pain that is getting worse.
If swelling affects breathing, swallowing, the eye area, or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical care immediately.
How does the dentist decide?
Your dentist will examine the area and may recommend X-rays to check the position of the wisdom tooth, the roots, nearby teeth, jawbone and surrounding structures.
The dentist will then explain whether monitoring, cleaning, treatment, removal or referral may be appropriate.
Can wisdom teeth be removed at a general dental clinic?
Some wisdom teeth can be removed in a general dental clinic. More complex cases may need referral to an oral surgeon or specialist, especially if the tooth is deeply impacted or close to important structures.
Your dentist will advise what is suitable after assessment and X-rays.
What if I delay wisdom tooth treatment?
Delaying treatment can sometimes lead to repeated infection, increasing pain, decay, gum problems, or damage to the neighbouring tooth. However, not every wisdom tooth needs immediate treatment.
The safest approach is to have symptoms checked and make a plan based on your individual situation.
Book a wisdom tooth assessment in Lara
If your wisdom teeth are painful, swollen, difficult to clean or causing repeated problems, Lara Dental Prime can assess the area and explain suitable options.
Learn more about wisdom tooth extraction in Lara, wisdom tooth pain, or call 03 5282 2222.