Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can be confusing. You may have been told that yours need removing even though they aren’t currently causing much pain, or perhaps a wisdom tooth has suddenly become sore, swollen or difficult to clean.
At One Dental Camberwell and One Dental Kensington, we regularly assess patients who are concerned about their wisdom teeth. Importantly, having wisdom teeth does not automatically mean they need to be removed.
However, when a wisdom tooth is impacted, repeatedly infected or causing problems for the surrounding teeth and gums, removal may be recommended.
So, why might you need your wisdom teeth removed, and what happens if you leave them alone?
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They are usually the last adult teeth to develop and commonly emerge during the late teens or twenties, although this varies considerably between individuals.
Some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come through normally.
Others simply don’t have enough space at the back of the jaw. This can cause a wisdom tooth to emerge at an angle, only partially erupt or remain trapped underneath the gum.
This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
No.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, have enough room to erupt normally and can be kept clean, there may be no reason to remove them.
Your dentist can monitor them during routine dental examinations.
Removal is generally considered when a wisdom tooth is causing a problem or there is a clinical reason why leaving it could adversely affect your oral health.
At One Dental in Camberwell and Kensington, our approach is to assess each patient individually rather than recommend wisdom tooth removal simply because the teeth are present.
7 Reasons You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
1. Repeated Wisdom Tooth Infections
One of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth is infection around a partially erupted tooth.
When only part of the wisdom tooth has emerged, a flap of gum can remain around it. Food debris and bacteria can collect underneath this area, making it difficult to clean effectively.
This can cause inflammation and infection known as pericoronitis.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain around the back of the mouth
- Red or swollen gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- An unpleasant taste
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Swelling around the jaw
A single minor episode doesn’t necessarily mean the tooth needs removing. However, if infections repeatedly return, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
2. There Isn’t Enough Space for the Wisdom Tooth
Some jaws simply don’t have enough room to accommodate another set of molars.
As a result, the wisdom tooth may become impacted.
An impacted tooth might grow towards the neighbouring molar, remain underneath the gum or only partially emerge.
Your dentist may recommend an X-ray to establish the position of the tooth and determine whether it is affecting surrounding structures.
3. Decay in the Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are located right at the back of the mouth, which can make them particularly difficult to brush and floss properly.
Plaque and food can accumulate around them, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
In some situations, repairing a decayed wisdom tooth may be possible. In others, particularly when access is difficult or the tooth is poorly positioned, removing it may be a more appropriate long-term solution.
4. Damage to the Tooth Next to It
Problems with wisdom teeth don’t always affect the wisdom tooth itself.
An impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes make the neighbouring second molar more difficult to clean or contribute to problems affecting the adjacent tooth.
This is particularly important because the second molar is a functional tooth that we generally want to preserve wherever possible.
Your dentist will therefore consider the health of both the wisdom tooth and the neighbouring teeth when deciding whether removal is appropriate.
5. Gum Problems Around the Wisdom Tooth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate.
If these areas are consistently difficult to clean, the surrounding gums can become inflamed.
Over time, problems around the wisdom tooth may also affect the gum health of the neighbouring molar.
Removing a problematic wisdom tooth can sometimes make the area easier to maintain.
6. A Cyst or Other Problem Develops
Less commonly, an unerupted wisdom tooth can be associated with a cyst or other pathology within the jaw.
These conditions may not necessarily cause obvious symptoms initially and can sometimes be identified on a dental X-ray.
Your dentist will explain the findings and appropriate treatment if anything unusual is identified.
7. Persistent Pain or Discomfort
Pain at the back of your mouth is often what first makes patients wonder whether their wisdom teeth need removing.
However, pain in this area doesn’t automatically mean the wisdom tooth is responsible.
Decay, gum disease, jaw-joint problems and other dental conditions can produce similar symptoms.
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain in Camberwell or Kensington, having the area professionally assessed is important so that the cause can be identified before deciding on treatment.
What Happens If I Don’t Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and aren’t causing problems, your dentist may simply recommend monitoring them.
If there is an existing problem, however, leaving the tooth untreated may result in further episodes of pain or infection depending on the diagnosis.
This is why the decision should be based on a clinical assessment rather than automatically removing every wisdom tooth.
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor wisdom teeth and identify changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Hurt?
This is understandably one of the biggest concerns patients have about treatment.
Wisdom tooth removal is normally carried out using local anaesthetic, which numbs the area around the tooth. You shouldn’t feel sharp pain during the procedure, although you may notice pressure and movement.
The complexity of the extraction depends on the position of the tooth.
A fully erupted wisdom tooth may sometimes be removed relatively straightforwardly. An impacted tooth underneath the gum or bone can require a surgical extraction.
Your dentist will assess the tooth beforehand and explain what your particular procedure is likely to involve.
What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Some soreness, swelling and discomfort after wisdom tooth extraction is normal.
Your dental team will provide aftercare instructions explaining how to look after the extraction site.
You may be advised to eat softer foods initially, avoid disturbing the area and maintain careful oral hygiene.
Recovery varies between patients and according to the complexity of the extraction.
If you experience unusual or worsening symptoms after an extraction, you should contact your dental practice for advice.
When Should I See a Dentist About My Wisdom Teeth?
You should arrange an assessment if you’re experiencing persistent or recurring pain, swelling or other symptoms around a wisdom tooth.
You should also seek dental advice if you’re concerned about how your wisdom teeth are developing, even if they aren’t currently painful.
A clinical examination, and an X-ray where appropriate, can help establish whether your wisdom teeth are healthy, impacted or likely to require treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Camberwell
If you’re looking for a dentist in Camberwell for wisdom tooth pain or wisdom tooth removal, One Dental Camberwell can assess the area and discuss the available treatment options.
Our priority is to determine why you’re experiencing symptoms and whether extraction is actually necessary.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Kensington
Patients looking for wisdom tooth removal in Kensington can also arrange an assessment at One Dental Kensington.
We’ll examine your wisdom teeth and surrounding gums and, where clinically appropriate, use dental imaging to understand the position of the teeth before discussing treatment.
Worried About Your Wisdom Teeth?
Having wisdom teeth doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have them removed.
The decision depends on their position, your symptoms and whether they are affecting your oral health.
If you have wisdom tooth pain, swelling, repeated infections or concerns about an impacted wisdom tooth, getting the area assessed is the best place to start.
At One Dental Camberwell and One Dental Kensington, we can assess your wisdom teeth, explain our findings and discuss whether monitoring, treatment or wisdom tooth removal is appropriate.
Book a consultation with One Dental in Camberwell or Kensington to have your wisdom teeth assessed.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual dental advice. Wisdom tooth removal is only recommended following an appropriate clinical assessment. Treatment suitability and recovery vary between patients.