Wisdom Teeth Frequently Asked Questions

Wisdom teeth are something most people will deal with at some point, usually during their late teens or early adulthood. While some wisdom teeth grow in without causing any problems, others can become painful, impacted, or difficult to keep clean.

Understanding what wisdom teeth are and why they sometimes need to be removed can help you know what to expect and when it may be time to see your dentist or oral surgeon.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically begin to emerge between the late teens and mid-20s, although the timing can vary from person to person.

Because wisdom teeth are the farthest-back teeth in the jaw, there isn’t always enough room for them to grow in properly. This lack of space is one of the most common reasons wisdom teeth cause problems.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

Most people develop at least one wisdom tooth, but not everyone develops all four. Some people may have only one, two, or three wisdom teeth, while others never develop them at all.

The number, position, and development of wisdom teeth can usually be evaluated with dental X-rays before they fully emerge.

What Are the Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. However, when they begin to erupt or become impacted, you may experience:

• Tooth or jaw pain
• Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the gums
• Tender or bleeding gums near the back of the mouth
• Difficulty keeping the area behind the second molars clean
• Swelling around the jaw
• Repeated infections around a wisdom tooth
• Pressure or discomfort near surrounding teeth
• A wisdom tooth that is partially or completely impacted

If you’re experiencing pain or swelling near the back of your mouth, your dentist can examine the area and determine whether your wisdom teeth may be responsible.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If the teeth are healthy, properly positioned, fully erupted, and easy to keep clean, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend simply monitoring them.

Problems can develop when there isn’t enough room in the upper or lower jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge normally. A wisdom tooth may grow at an angle, only partially erupt, or remain trapped beneath the gums.

These situations can make the area difficult to clean and may increase the risk of pain, inflammation, infection, decay, or problems with neighboring teeth.

When wisdom teeth are causing problems—or are likely to cause certain complications—your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for an evaluation and possible extraction.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge or develop in its normal position.

The tooth may remain completely beneath the gum tissue or only partially break through. Depending on its position, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause discomfort, infection, damage to a nearby tooth, or other oral health problems.

Your dentist or oral surgeon can use an examination and dental imaging to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether treatment is necessary.

What Problems Can Occur If Wisdom Teeth Are Retained?

Some wisdom teeth can remain in place without causing problems. Others may contribute to complications such as:

• Gum irritation and inflammation
• Infection around the wisdom tooth
• Tooth decay
• Difficulty cleaning the back of the mouth
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Cysts or other complications around an impacted tooth

Regular dental examinations are important even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing discomfort. Your dentist can monitor them for changes that may not be immediately noticeable.

Why Can Wisdom Teeth Be More Difficult to Remove Than Other Teeth?

Wisdom tooth removal can sometimes be more involved than extracting other teeth because of their location at the back of the mouth.

The difficulty of the procedure depends on several factors, including whether the tooth has erupted, its position and angle, the shape of its roots, and whether it is trapped beneath the gums or bone.

Despite this, wisdom tooth extraction is a commonly performed oral surgery procedure. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your individual situation beforehand and explain what you can expect.

How Long Does Anesthesia Last After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The numbness caused by local anesthesia may continue for several hours following your procedure. Exactly how long it lasts can vary depending on the anesthetic used and the individual patient.

As the numbness wears off, some soreness, swelling, or discomfort is normal. Your oral surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions for managing discomfort and caring for the extraction sites while you recover.

Will I Be Sedated During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Sedation options may be available for wisdom tooth removal depending on your needs, medical history, the complexity of the procedure, and your oral surgeon’s recommendation.

Sedation can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Local anesthesia is also used to numb the treatment area and prevent pain during the extraction.

Before your procedure, your oral surgeon will discuss the available anesthesia or sedation options and help determine which approach is appropriate for you.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Having wisdom teeth doesn’t automatically mean they need to come out. The best approach depends on how your teeth are developing, whether they’re causing symptoms, and whether they’re creating risks for your oral health.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, repeated infections, or other problems around your wisdom teeth, schedule an evaluation with your dentist or oral surgeon. An examination and dental imaging can help determine whether your wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed.