Wisdom teeth — the third molars — usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people they come through without any trouble. For others there simply isn't enough space, and they stay partly or fully trapped in the jaw.
When wisdom teeth can stay
If a wisdom tooth has come through fully, sits in a normal position, bites properly and can be cleaned well, there's usually no reason to remove it.
Signs of trouble
- Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
- Gum that keeps getting infected over a partly erupted tooth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Food getting trapped, causing decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front
- Bad taste or bad breath from the back of the mouth
An X-ray shows the position of the tooth and its roots, which helps decide whether to keep, monitor or remove it.
What removal involves
Wisdom tooth removal is done under local anaesthesia. Some swelling and stiffness for a few days is normal, and most people are back to their routine within a week.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please visit a dentist for advice about your own teeth.