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Any mention of wisdom teeth is usually met with sighs and groans and this is because they are known to cause pain and problems. The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to develop and as a result there is sometimes not enough room in the jaw for them to grow properly. If this is the case, the teeth can be very painful and become impacted.

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

There are four wisdom teeth in total, one located in each corner. In many cases, the teeth erupt and grow without any issues, but sometimes they can be troublesome. An impacted wisdom tooth is often a cause for extraction, as the wisdom teeth are not essential and it is better to take them out if they are causing you pain and grief. An impacted tooth is a tooth that has grown against the neighbouring tooth or at an angle. This is a result of a lack of space in the jaw, which prevents the tooth from growing straight down. Signs of impaction include inflammation, pain and an increased risk of infection. Impacted teeth are difficult to keep clean and this increases the risk of halitosis (bad breath), decay and oral infections that may result in the development of abscesses.

Wisdom tooth extraction

If a wisdom tooth is causing pain, is impacted or has become infected or decayed, it is usually best to extract it. Extracting the tooth reduces the risk of infection spreading and also helps to protect the neighbouring teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction is essentially very similar to normal tooth extraction. However, it can sometimes be more complex due to the location of the teeth, which are harder to reach than our other teeth. As a result, wisdom tooth extraction is often carried out by dentists with advanced training in oral surgery.
We recognise that having wisdom teeth extracted can be a very daunting prospect and we offer treatment under local anaesthetic or sedation. Sedation is beneficial for anxious patients because it helps to reduce anxiety and make you feel calm, as well as preventing discomfort. If you would like to consider sedation, your dentist will discuss the process with you and explain how it works and what exactly it involves.