Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
What are Wisdom Teeth and why are they operated on?
Adult teeth normally come through from the age of 6 upwards, with the wisdom teeth being the last to arrive (usually between the ages of 18 & 24 years).
Sometimes, as wisdom teeth come through they cause problems.
Two common reasons for this are:
- Lack of space
- Other teeth being in the way
Removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common operations carried out in the UK. Impacted wisdom teeth have sometimes been removed whether or not they were causing problems. There is no reliable evidence to suggest that operating on impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing problems has any benefit for the patient.
In fact every operation has some risk.
What do NICE recommend about the removal of Wisdom Teeth?
Based on the evidence, NICE has recommended to the NHS that:
1. Impacted wisdom teeth that are free from disease (healthy) should not be operated on. There are two reasons for this
a) There is no reliable research to suggest that this practice benefits patients
b) Patients who do have healthy wisdom teeth removed are being exposed to the risks of surgery.
These can include:
- damage to other teeth
- bleeding, infection, dry socket and, rarely, nerve damage causing numbness
Also, after surgery to remove wisdom teeth, patients may:
- have swelling and pain
- be unable to open their mouth fully
2. Patients who have impacted wisdom teeth that are not causing problems should visit their dentist for their usual check-ups.
3. Only patients, who have diseased wisdom teeth, or other problems with their mouth, should have their wisdom teeth removed.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will be aware of the sort of disease or condition which would require you to have surgery. Examples include:
- untreatable tooth decay
- abscesses
- cysts or tumours
- disease of the tissues around the tooth
- if the tooth is in the way of other surgery
What should I do?
If you or a member of your family or someone you care for are having problems with their wisdom teeth you should discuss this with your dentist or surgeon.
We follow NICE guidance: wisdom teeth are only removed when they cause problems.
What our patients say
I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I …
Read full review
I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I felt at ease during each procedure, and the results have always been excellent. Whether it's routine dental work or something more complex, I highly recommend trying this place. They truly go above and beyond to provide exceptional service
Hadn't been to dentist for years and felt apprehensive but had to go for an emergency extraction. No fuss-365 days per year service available-no criticism just good caring people at this dentist. Sound advice after listening carefully to me. Everything explained thoroughly and in detail.All options discussed. Don't feel embarras…
Read full review
Hadn't been to dentist for years and felt apprehensive but had to go for an emergency extraction. No fuss-365 days per year service available-no criticism just good caring people at this dentist. Sound advice after listening carefully to me. Everything explained thoroughly and in detail.All options discussed. Don't feel embarrassed or scared-this practice will treat you as if you are family-you will be fine! I have changed to The Dentist and wont look back. And no it didn't hurt.
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and …Read full review
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and staff made me felt at ease. Went through each step and then went through treatment options. Needed to have the tooth removed. The nurse and dentist were amazing. Comforted me and also allowed to have my mum in the room with me. They went through the procedure with my and then my after care afterwards. I would definitely recommend to anywho is nervous about going to the dentist like me.
Ready to talk it through?
Book online or call — we'll give you clear options, prices up front, and no pressure.
Send us a message
Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you. For urgent pain or swelling, please call 01922 624900.