The wisdom teeth, or third molars, grow at the back of your gums and are the last teeth to come through. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one 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.
Due to the lack of space, the wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only emerge partially. Wisdom teeth that grow through in this way are known as impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth
There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth, depending on the way the tooth has grown through:
- mesial impaction – where the tooth grows at an angle facing towards the front of the mouth
- vertical impaction – where the tooth is straight but can't break through the gums properly because it's stuck against the tooth next to it
- horizontal impaction – where the tooth grows horizontally
- distal impaction – where the wisdom tooth grows away from the tooth next to it and becomes lodged in that position
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
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 tooth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to dental caries (tooth decay), gum disease, cellulitis (infection) or other problems.
Read more about why a wisdom tooth might need to be removed.
Do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
You should make an appointment to see your dentist if you're experiencing severe pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will check your teeth and advise you about whether they need to be removed.
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.
In case of an emergency outside normal working hours, contact your surgery on its usual number and you'll be informed about how to get emergency dental care. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice on what to do.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted but no disease is present, the teeth don't need to be removed. This is because there's no proven benefit in removing healthy wisdom teeth, and you shouldn't be exposed to the possible risks unless the procedure is necessary (see below).
The removal procedure
The dentist will take an X-ray of your wisdom teeth to help determine whether or not they need to be removed. If they do, the dentist may be able to carry out the procedure or they may refer you to an oral surgeon.
Read about how a wisdom tooth is removed.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, both on the inside and outside of your mouth. This is usually worse for the first three days but it can last for up to two weeks.
Your jaw may be stiff and sore and your face may be bruised. The bruising will begin to disappear, although it may take about two weeks to fade completely.
Read more about recovering from wisdom tooth removal.
Possible complications
As with all surgery, there are risks associated with wisdom tooth removal. One possible complication is ‘dry socket’, where there 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 to occur if you don't follow the after-care instructions that your dentist gives you following the removal of your wisdom teeth.
Read more about the possible complications of wisdom tooth removal.
