Some individuals never develop wisdom teeth, while others may have up to four, one in each corner of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are third molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 24 and may remain problem free in some cases.
When there is not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they can become partially or fully impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may increase the risk of infection, inflammation, or damage to surrounding teeth.
Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth may include pain and swollen gums, jaw stiffness, or difficulty cleaning the area. A dental assessment is required to determine whether monitoring or removal is recommended.
Wisdom teeth removal is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area while you remain awake. This allows the procedure to be carried out comfortably in most cases.
For patients who experience significant anxiety or require more complex extractions, additional sedation or general anaesthetic options may be considered. Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the most appropriate pain management or sedation option.
If general anaesthetic is recommended, specific preparation instructions, including fasting requirements, will be provided in advance to ensure the procedure can be carried out safely.
