Sometimes referred to as third molars; wisdom teeth are the final teeth to emerge and tend to come through in the late teens to early twenties. For some people they do not present any problems and erupt the same as all other teeth.

Not everyone has the same number of wisdom teeth, you may have as many as four, as few as one or none at all. The main concern with wisdom teeth occurs when they become impacted. This means there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them or they have developed at an angle and will not come through without causing damage to adjacent teeth, your jawbone or gums. Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause pain alerting you to a problem; it is only through having regular oral health checks and x-rays can The Dentists detect when something has gone awry.

It is estimated over 80% of wisdom teeth will require removal and it is not possible to predict if or when wisdom teeth will cause problems. Therefore it is advised to remove them earlier rather than later in life, as removal in older patients can be more difficult and result in a longer healing period.

It is vitally important you advise us of any medication, both prescribed or over the counter you may currently be taking, and if you are experiencing any general health problems.

Removal of your wisdom teeth in completed in our practice under anaesthetic to ensure you are completely comfortable. It is only in rare or unusual cases that The Dentists may refer to an oral surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed. A small incision is made around the tooth if it has partially come through the gum to expose the entire tooth or over your tooth if it is still under the gum-line. The Dentists may then remove your wisdom tooth in its entirety or a small piece at a time.

Recovery will only take a few days for most people. There may be some post-operative swelling and mild discomfort. Over the counter pain relief medication is often all that is required to relieve your discomfort however, stronger medication may be prescribed if needed. A soft food diet is recommended for several days. To aid your recovery and make removal easier we highly recommend you quit smoking.