

Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash. cysts and benign growths – very rarely, a wisdom tooth that hasn't cut through the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling).abscess – a collection of pus in your wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissue as a result of a bacterial infection.cellulitis – a bacterial infection in the cheek, tongue or throat.

pericoronitis – when plaque causes an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth.gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease).Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to: This is because there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications. Your wisdom teeth don't usually need to be removed if they're impacted but aren't causing any problems. This gives them a clearer view of the position of your teeth.Īs with any teeth problems, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your regular dental check-up.įind your local dentist Why are wisdom teeth removed? If your dentist thinks you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, they'll usually carry out an X-ray of your mouth. They'll check your teeth and advise you whether they need to be removed. You should make an appointment to see your dentist if your wisdom teeth are causing severe pain. Wisdom teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted. By this time, the other 28 adult teeth are usually in place, so there isn't always enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow properly.īecause of the lack of space, wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth usually grow through the gums during the late teens or early twenties. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth (1 in each corner). The wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums and are the last teeth to come through. The removal of wisdom teeth (or third molars) is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in the UK.
