Your wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of your mouth. Your wisdom teeth usually grow through by your mid-twenties, although some people find that they grow through earlier or later. When your wisdom teeth don’t come through properly, they can cause problems including swelling, pain and infection. You can ease these symptoms by having your wisdom teeth removed.

 

Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Many people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth. However, some people experience issues where there is not enough space in the mouth for the teeth to come through. This can lead to the wisdom tooth becoming impacted. Sometimes bacteria can become trapped in an impacted tooth, leading to sore and swollen gums. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom tooth removed.

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure?

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure that can vary from person to person, as some teeth are more tricky to remove than others. Upper wisdom teeth are generally easier to remove than lower wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be able to reassure you before the procedure and tell you what to expect.

Wisdom teeth removal is usually carried out under local anesthesia. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, your dentist will use bespoke tools to ease your tooth out. The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but you should not experience any pain.

Recovery From Wisdom Tooth Removal

It can take up to two weeks to recover from a wisdom tooth removal procedure. If you have received a general anaesthetic, you may want to rest for a while before travelling home. The numbness in the affected area may continue for a number of hours, so you should be careful when consuming hot food and drinks.

Your dentist should provide you with some additional information on looking after your gums after the procedure.