Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They erupt at the very back of the mouth, behind the second molars.
For some people, wisdom teeth grow through normally and never cause problems. For others, there simply isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to erupt properly, which can lead to pain, swelling, crowding, infection, and other dental complications.
In this guide, we explain why wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed, the signs to look out for, what happens during extraction, and what recovery typically involves.
Wisdom teeth are considered by many experts to be vestigial, meaning they were more useful to our ancestors than they are today.
In the past, people ate a tougher diet that required more chewing, and larger jaws made room for additional molars. Over time, human jaws have generally become smaller, while our diets have become softer and more processed. As a result, many people no longer have enough space for wisdom teeth to grow properly.
Wisdom teeth are often removed when there is insufficient space in the jaw for them to erupt and function normally.
Common reasons for removal include:
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, but monitoring them regularly is important.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, a range of complications can develop over time.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria beneath the gum tissue, increasing the risk of infection. This condition, known as pericoronitis, may cause:
In more severe cases, swelling and infection can make it difficult to open the mouth or swallow.
Wisdom teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Decay can also spread to neighbouring teeth if the problem is not treated early.
An impacted wisdom tooth can place pressure on surrounding teeth, potentially contributing to crowding or damaging adjacent molars.
In some cases, fluid-filled cysts can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. Although less common, these can damage surrounding bone and tissue if left untreated.
It’s important to seek professional advice if you notice:
Early assessment can often prevent more serious complications later.
Wisdom teeth can cause problems long before symptoms become obvious.
Dentists often recommend a panoramic dental X-ray (OPG) to assess:
Early removal is often easier because:
Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring wisdom teeth development, especially during the late teenage years and early adulthood.
Not always. Some wisdom teeth grow normally, are easy to clean, and do not cause pain or crowding. In these situations, monitoring may be recommended instead of extraction.
Wisdom teeth may not need removal if:
The decision should always be based on a professional assessment.
The procedure varies depending on how the tooth is positioned. Some wisdom teeth can be removed quickly, while others, especially deeply impacted teeth, may require a more complex surgical approach.
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and keep you comfortable throughout treatment. In some cases, sedation options may also be discussed.
If the tooth is impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to:
The procedure itself should not be painful, although you may feel pressure during treatment.
Depending on the extraction, stitches may be placed to help the area heal. These are often dissolvable or removed after several days.
Some swelling, discomfort, and mild bleeding are normal after extraction.
To support healing you should:
Most patients recover well within several days, although healing time can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common and generally safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks.
Possible complications may include:
Your dentist will explain any relevant risks before treatment.
Wisdom teeth problems can develop gradually, which is why regular monitoring is so important.
At MGA Dental, we provide thorough wisdom teeth assessments, digital imaging, and personalised treatment recommendations based on your individual oral health needs. Whether your wisdom teeth simply need monitoring or require removal, our team focuses on making the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
MGA Dental provides wisdom teeth removal at both our Gold Coast and Brisbane clinics, helping patients receive timely care and protect their long-term oral health.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or would like a professional wisdom teeth assessment, feel free to contact MGA Dental and book an appointment.
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