Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These large molars are located at the back of your mouth on both upper and lower jaws. In human history, these teeth served the purpose of grinding coarse plant material. However, as our diets and jaw sizes have evolved, they’ve become less essential and often troublesome. While they usually appear without causing issues, lack of space can lead to impaction and the need for removal, sometimes requiring surgery.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

Not everyone has four wisdom teeth; some may have fewer or none at all. Our team of dentists and dental professionals at Mount Annan Dental will x-ray your mouth to determine the presence and number of wisdom teeth.

What are the symptoms of my wisdom teeth coming in?

Often, wisdom teeth will emerge without causing any issues. However, if wisdom teeth become wedged in – or ‘impacted’ – due to lack of space, this can cause infection and inflammation in the tissue covering the impacted tooth.

You may notice symptoms like swollen red gums and stiffness in your jaw, as well as feeling generally unwell. In some cases, a cyst can form around the impacted wisdom tooth, which can damage surrounding bone, teeth, and gums. Although antibiotics can be used for infections, impacted wisdom teeth will generally need to be extracted.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Painful?

1. Lack of Space: Our modern jaws are often too small for wisdom teeth, causing impaction and discomfort.

2. Misalignment: Wisdom teeth may grow misaligned or crooked, putting pressure on nearby teeth, leading to crowding and pain.

3. Infection and Inflammation: Partially emerged wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, causing infections and inflammation.

Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Pain and Discomfort: Wisdom teeth causing pain, discomfort, or swelling may require removal.

Dental Problems: Wisdom teeth can lead to crowding, misalignment, and damage to nearby teeth, making extraction necessary.
Infections: Recurrent infections around wisdom teeth can impact overall oral health, necessitating removal.

Advantages of Wisdom Teeth Removal:

1. Pain Relief: Extraction provides immediate relief from wisdom teeth-related pain and discomfort.

2. Preventive Measures: Removal prevents future dental issues, maintaining tooth alignment and health.

3. Improved Oral Hygiene: Eliminating hard-to-reach wisdom teeth enhances oral hygiene, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay.

Procedure Before Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

Before your procedure, Dr. Steven Krajewski or one of our dentists will discuss the process, answer questions, and review your medical history. X-rays may be taken to plan treatment.

During the examination, some wisdom teeth may be categorised as difficult to remove in our surgery. If this is the case, we will refer you to an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Eating and drinking instructions for local anaesthesia: For procedures under local anaesthesia, patients can have a light meal and some fluids up to an hour before surgery. We will advise you beforehand on whether you can eat and drink before your wisdom teeth removal. The actual extraction is usually a quick procedure, taking between 30 and 60 minutes.