Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, usually in the late teens or twenties, at the very back of the mouth. Because there is often not enough room for them, they may come through only partly, grow at an angle, or stay trapped under the gum. A partly emerged wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria, causing pain, swelling, and infection in the gum around it, and it can press against the tooth in front of it.

What Wisdom Teeth involves

A dentist will check the position of the wisdom teeth with an examination and X-rays, and look for infection, decay, or damage to neighbouring teeth. Some wisdom teeth need only monitoring and cleaning care, while others need removal, especially when they repeatedly cause pain, infection, or damage. This page is specifically about wisdom teeth, not about extraction of other teeth in general.

Signs of Wisdom Teeth

• Pain or tenderness at the very back of the mouth
• Swelling or redness in the gum behind the last molar
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• A bad taste, or pain when chewing at the back

What to do right away for Wisdom Teeth

• Rinse gently with warm water and keep the back teeth as clean as you can
• Avoid chewing hard foods on the painful side
• Note any swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth
• Call for help promptly if pain or swelling is present

How a dentist may help with Wisdom Teeth

• Examine the wisdom teeth and the gums around them
• Take X-rays to check position and room in the jaw
• Treat infection or inflammation around a partly emerged tooth
• Discuss monitoring or removal, depending on position and symptoms

When to seek urgent care for Wisdom Teeth

Seek urgent care if swelling spreads to the face or neck, you have trouble swallowing or opening your mouth, or you have a fever with wisdom-tooth pain.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Tooth Extraction
• Overcrowding Teeth
• Tooth Abscess

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Wisdom Teeth

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. Some wisdom teeth come through normally and cause no problems. Removal is discussed when they cause pain, infection, or damage.

What is pericoronitis?

It is inflammation of the gum around a partly emerged wisdom tooth, often caused by trapped food and bacteria. It needs dental care.

Why do wisdom teeth cause crowding?

When there is not enough room, a wisdom tooth can press against neighbouring teeth. A dentist can check whether that is happening.