Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. Not all people will have wisdom teeth, but for most people they can have up to four.
Many people have the wisdom teeth grow in a normal position and do not necessarily need to have them removed if there is sufficient space for them and if the wisdom teeth are healthy.
If wisdom teeth come through only partially due to lack of space, or in a hard-to-reach area, they will be difficult to clean and therefore more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
For those who have their wisdom teeth growing at an angle it may cause significant pain by putting pressure on the adjacent tooth in front of it, and therefore it will likely need removal.
For those individuals who have symptomatic wisdom teeth such as pain, inflammation of the gum around the tooth, or lack of space to fully erupt, removal is often recommended.
Having one's wisdom teeth removed is usually a routine procedure for maxillofacial and oral surgeons, which may often require a general anaesthetic. It is a day procedure which means you do not stay overnight in hospital unless medically indicated. Depending on how many wisdom teeth require removal as well as the positioning of the teeth, the procedure may sometimes only require a local anaesthetic. Post-operative pain and swelling are normal for a couple of days following the procedure, but should be managed with medication as prescribed by your oral surgeon as well as with a list of instruction of how to take care of your mouth such as going on a soft diet.
