Wisdom Teeth (A Simple Guide For Patients)

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars (back teeth) that usually appear in your mouth between the ages of 17 to 25 years. Most people have four wisdom teeth – one in each corner of the mouth.

Sometimes, these teeth come in smoothly without causing problems. But in many cases, they do not have enough space to grow properly, which leads to different dental issues.

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When the tooth does not have enough space, it may get stuck inside the gum or jawbone.
This can cause pain, swelling, or infection.

2. Pain & Swelling

Pressure from a wisdom tooth can cause pain in the gums, jaw, or even the ear.
Gums around the tooth may become swollen or tender.

3. Infection (Pericoronitis)

If a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, i.e, only some part erupts (comes out), food and bacteria can get trapped under the gum flap, leading to infection.
Symptoms: pain, swelling, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth.

4. Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are located at the back, which makes them hard to clean.
As a result, they can easily get cavities or cause gum problems, or even they can a cavity in the next tooth.

5. Crowding of Other Teeth

When wisdom teeth push against other teeth, they may cause misalignment or crowding, especially if you had braces before.

6. Cysts (less common)

In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth may form a cyst (fluid-filled sac) inside the jaw, which can damage nearby teeth or bone.

When to See a Dentist?

You should consult a dentist if you have:

Pain in the back of your mouth
Swelling or redness in the gums
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Bad taste or bad breath despite brushing
Feeling hot and Cold sensitivity or pain spreading to the ear or head
Repeated food trapping behind the last tooth

Treatment Options

1. Observation (No Treatment Needed)

If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing problems, your dentist may suggest leaving them as they are and monitoring them during regular check-ups.

2. Medication

For minor pain or infection, dentists may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, or mouth rinses as a temporary solution.

3. Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Removal)

If the tooth is causing pain, infection, or damaging other teeth, removal is the best treatment.
This procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia (numbing injection). In some cases, sedation or general anaesthesia may be used.

After extraction, you may have: