Wisdom Teeth

About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth in your mouth to develop and are position at the very back of your mouth. Most people have upper and lower wisdom teeth, but some individuals do not grow wisdom teeth at all. Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become stuck against gums, jawbone or other teeth and can sometimes cause pain and discomfort.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. The most common reason for the removal of wisdom teeth is pain from the gums surrounding a wisdom tooth which has insufficient room to grow in your mouth. In some cases, the gums around wisdom teeth can become swollen and infected, leading to serious pain and in some rare cases, a visit to hospital. Wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth,  or themselves become damaged from decay. Any of these problems may require the removal of your wisdom teeth.

Do I need to go to hospital to have my teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed in hospital. Many of our patients have their wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthetic (awake but numb during the procedure), while others choose to have their wisdom teeth removed in hospital under general anaesthetic. We can help you by referring you to our trusted oral surgeons who can perform your wisdom tooth removal under general anaesthetic.

Does having Wisdom Teeth removed hurt?

Having wisdom teeth removed is generally a painless procedure due to the use of local anaesthetics to ensure you are comfortable through the procedure and for several hours afterwards. During the healing process, swelling, bruising and sometimes infection can lead to pain which can last for a few days. You will be prescribed several pain medications to take to help reduce any pain you feel during the days following the procedure. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict who will experience severe discomfort following removal of wisdom teeth. We recommend organising several days rest following the procedure in case of any problems.