Understanding Wisdom Teeth: When Should You Get Them Removed?

Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, sitting right at the back of the mouth on both the upper and lower jaw. Anthropologists think they once helped our ancestors chew coarse plants, raw meat, nuts and roots. Modern diets have made them largely redundant, and for many people they cause more trouble than they are worth.

This is a familiar milestone for young adults across the region, whether you are studying at James Cook University in Townsville, starting a trade, or heading out to the mines around Emerald. Knowing what to watch for helps you and your dentist make a sensible, well-timed decision.

What wisdom teeth are and why they cause trouble

The most common issue is a simple lack of room. When the jaw is already full, a wisdom tooth may not have space to come through properly. It can become impacted, meaning it is trapped below or partly below the gum, and it may grow at an odd angle, sometimes almost sideways against the neighbouring molar.

That creates a few knock-on problems. Teeth right at the back are hard to clean, which raises the risk of decay and gum infection. Impacted or partly erupted teeth can become painful or swollen, and can also damage the healthy teeth beside them.

Signs it may be time to see us

Book an assessment if you notice:

• Aching, tenderness or swelling at the back of the jaw
• Difficulty cleaning the area, or food repeatedly trapping there
• Redness or infection around a partly erupted tooth
• Crowding or pressure on the teeth in front

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Teeth that have erupted cleanly, sit in a good position and cause no problems can often simply be monitored with good hygiene and regular check-ups.

What removal involves

Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure, and how involved it is depends on the angle of the tooth and whether it is impacted. It carries risks, and whether it is right for you needs an individual assessment, so the notes below are a general guide only.

The area is first numbed with a local anaesthetic. Depending on the case and your preferences, sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation or general anaesthesia may be discussed. If the tooth has not fully come through, a small incision may be made in the gum and a little bone over the tooth may need to be removed. The tooth is then loosened, and where it cannot be taken out in one piece it may be divided into smaller sections. Dissolvable stitches are often used to close the gum.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery generally takes from a few days up to about two weeks. Your dentist will give you instructions tailored to your case, but common advice includes:

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days
• Stick to soft foods and avoid crunchy or sticky items early on
• Do not poke or disturb the site, as dislodging the blood clot can lead to a painful dry socket
• After the first 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water following meals
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and hot drinks for 24 to 48 hours
• Take pain relief and any prescribed antibiotics as directed

The trade-off of waiting

Leaving a problem wisdom tooth in place can, in some cases, lead to infection, decay, damage to neighbouring teeth or nerve involvement. Roots also continue to mature with age, which can make later removal more complex. This is one reason extraction, when needed, is often considered in the late teens to mid-twenties, while impaction is less established.

Alternatives worth discussing

Removal is not the only option in every case. A coronectomy takes away just the crown of the tooth and leaves the root undisturbed, which may be considered where there is a risk to nearby nerves. Where a tooth is worth keeping but has decay or damage, root canal therapy may be an option. Not every situation suits these approaches, so an individual assessment is essential.

What it costs

Fees vary with the complexity of the case and the tooth involved, so the best way to know is to ask us for a quote after an examination. Many health funds cover part or all of the cost depending on your policy and the procedure, and eligible rebates can often be processed on the spot through HICAPS.

Talk it through with us

If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, or you simply want to know where you stand, book an assessment at your nearest My Family Dental clinic in Kalynda/Bohle Plains, Kirwan, Bowen, Emerald, Ingham or Innisfail. You can call your nearest clinic or reach us through our contact page to arrange a time.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified dental professional. Please speak with your dentist about your individual circumstances.