Wisdom Teeth Removal – When & Why You Might Need It
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth emerge without issue. However, for many, there isn’t enough space in the mouth, leading to pain, crowding, infection, or impaction.
At Avonhead Dental, we assess your wisdom teeth early to determine whether they need removal before they cause problems. If extraction is necessary, we ensure a comfortable and smooth process, minimising discomfort and recovery time.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth. Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth don’t always erupt properly—often getting stuck partially or fully beneath the gums. This is called impaction, and it can lead to a range of oral health issues.
Why Don’t My Wisdom Teeth Fit?
There are a few reasons why wisdom teeth don’t always have enough space to emerge properly:
✔ Genetics – You may inherit small jaws from one parent and larger teeth from the other, leading to overcrowding.
✔ Evolution – Over time, human jaws have become smaller due to softer modern diets, meaning there is less space for wisdom teeth.
As a result, wisdom teeth often fail to erupt fully, grow at an angle, or remain trapped under the gum—causing pain and potential infection.
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. However, extraction is recommended if they are causing or likely to cause problems, such as:
⚠ Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth
⚠ Partially erupted wisdom teeth that trap food and bacteria, leading to infection
⚠ Impacted teeth pressing against neighbouring molars, causing crowding or damage
⚠ Tooth decay or gum disease due to difficulty cleaning the wisdom teeth
⚠ Cysts or tumours developing in the tissue surrounding impacted teeth
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing any issues, removal may not be necessary.
📅 Regular dental check-ups and x-rays help monitor their position to prevent future complications.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Step 1: Consultation & X-Ray Assessment
✔ We assess your wisdom teeth with x-rays or 3D scans to determine if extraction is necessary.
✔ If removal is recommended, we discuss your options, including local anaesthetic or sedation for a more comfortable experience.
Step 2: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
✔ Simple extractions can be done in our clinic for straightforward cases.
✔ Surgical extractions (for deeply impacted teeth) may require referral to an oral surgeon.
✔ The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on complexity.
Step 3: Recovery & Aftercare
✔ Swelling, minor bleeding, and mild discomfort are common in the first 24-48 hours.
✔ You’ll be given pain relief and aftercare instructions to support healing and minimise discomfort.
✔ Most patients recover fully within a week, but some cases take longer depending on individual healing.
Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Hurt?
Most patients experience some discomfort, swelling, and difficulty opening their mouth for a few days after surgery, but this is temporary.
✔ Anaesthesia ensures a painless procedure during extraction.
✔ Over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses help manage post-surgery swelling.
✔ Some patients may experience temporary numbness in the chin or lips, which is discussed before the procedure.
If you are anxious about wisdom tooth removal, let us know—we offer options to help you feel at ease!
What Happens If I Don’t Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
While some wisdom teeth don’t cause problems, impacted or misaligned ones can lead to:
⚠ Infection & swelling in the gums
⚠ Decay in surrounding teeth due to trapped bacteria
⚠ Shifting of other teeth, leading to misalignment
⚠ Jaw pain, cysts, or bone damage
The earlier wisdom teeth are assessed, the easier it is to prevent complications.
Book a Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to be removed? Don’t wait until they become painful—early assessment can save discomfort and complications later.