Removal of Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth?

A wisdom tooth is any of the usually four third molars, including mandibular third molar and maxillary third molar. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.

How are wisdom teeth treated?

Wisdom teeth often cause no problems. They are described as impacted when there is not enough space for them at the back of the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection or damage to the teeth next to them. If the gum around the wisdom tooth is swollen the jaw may become stiff and sore. Infection at the back of the mouth can cause bad breath and a bad taste.

The surgical removal (extraction) of one or more wisdom teeth can relieve these problems. People who have problems such as infection, cysts or tumours, tooth decay, or gum disease around a wisdom tooth should think about having it removed.

People who have impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing problems do not need to have them removed.