The removal of wisdom teeth (or third molars) is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in the UK. Show
The wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums and are the last teeth to come through. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth (1 in each corner). Wisdom teeth usually grow through the gums during the late teens or early twenties. By this time, the other 28 adult teeth are usually in place, so there isn't always enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow properly. Because of the lack of space, wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted. When to see a dentistYou should make an appointment to see your dentist if your wisdom teeth are causing severe pain. They'll check your teeth and advise you whether they need to be removed. If your dentist thinks you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, they'll usually carry out an X-ray of your mouth. This gives them a clearer view of the position of your teeth. As with any teeth problems, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your regular dental check-up. Find your local dentist Why are wisdom teeth removed?Your wisdom teeth don't usually need to be removed if they're impacted but aren't causing any problems. This is because there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications. Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to:
Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash. Wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended when other treatments haven't worked. How wisdom teeth are removedYour dentist may remove your wisdom teeth, or they may refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital treatment. Before the operation, the procedure will usually be explained to you and you may be asked to sign a consent form. You'll usually be given a local anaesthetic injection to numb the area around the tooth. You'll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth. A small cut in the gum is sometimes necessary, and the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before it's removed. It takes anything from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or sometimes even longer, to remove a wisdom tooth. After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may have swelling and discomfort, both inside and outside your mouth. Occasionally, some mild bruising is also visible. This is usually worse for the first 3 days, but it can last for up to 2 weeks. Read more about how a wisdom tooth is removed and recovering from wisdom tooth removal. Possible complicationsAs with all surgery, there are risks associated with removing a wisdom tooth. These include infection or delayed healing, both of which are more likely if you smoke during your recovery. Another possible complication is "dry socket", which is a dull, aching sensation in your gum or jaw, and sometimes a bad smell or taste coming from the empty tooth socket. Dry socket is more likely if you don't follow the after-care instructions given by your dentist. There's also a small risk of nerve damage, which can cause a tingling or numb sensation in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth and gums. This is usually temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent. Read more about the possible complications of wisdom tooth removal. Dental costsDentists charge depending on the treatment required, unless you're under 18 or otherwise exempt from NHS charges. If hospital treatment is required, it will be provided through the NHS free of charge. Read more about dental costs. Video: Wisdom teethIn this video, an expert explains why people have problems with their wisdom teeth and the treatments available. Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?Why are wisdom teeth removed? Your wisdom teeth don't usually need to be removed if they're impacted but aren't causing any problems. This is because there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications.
What are the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth?In fact, where they are not negatively impacting oral and/or overall health, it is best to keep wisdom teeth intact. Properly erupted wisdom teeth provide support in the back of the mouth and help maintain bone in the jaw. This support is beneficial to the health of the temporo mandibular joint (TMJ).
Why experts should not remove wisdom teeth?More serious risks, which become more common with age, include nerve and blood-vessel damage. As with any surgery, wisdom-tooth removal does carry the very rare risk of death. It's hard to know which young patients will have problems with their wisdom teeth, Scheetz said.
Can you live your life without removing your wisdom teeth?Teeth that erupt in an upright and functional position often don't need to be removed, Dr. Janowicz says, as long as they cause no pain and aren't associated with decay or gum disease.
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