Wisdom teeth removal 

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through, usually emerging between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Wisdom teeth are also called third molars (grinding teeth) and are found right at the back of the mouth.

Some people never have any wisdom teeth, while others have between one and four: one either side of the upper row of teeth and one at each side of the bottom row.

Most wisdom teeth grow normally, but if your mouth doesn't have enough room for them or other teeth obstruct growth, they could cause problems. Wisdom teeth that have failed to grow properly are termed 'impacted'.

Wisdom teeth were often removed in the past, irrespective of whether or not they were causing any problems. These days things are different. According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), there is no reliable evidence to suggest there is any benefit in removing wisdom teeth that cause no problems.

How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed operations in the UK (1).

Depending on the individual patient and how difficult the operation is going to be, it is performed under either local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake during the procedure, or general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep the whole time.

If you are having a local anaesthetic you will not feel any pain, but if you feel nervous you may also be given a sedative drug to relax you. This is usually given as an injection in your arm or in the back of your hand.

The operation itself may last from just a few minutes to 20 minutes (2).

Wisdom teeth can be taken out easily most of the time, but if the tooth has failed to come through fully, the dentist or surgeon may need to cut into the gum.

If the tooth is growing in such a way that it is partly stuck underneath the bone, some of the bone will be removed, usually by being drilled away. In more complicated cases, the tooth may have to be broken into several pieces (again using a drill), which are then removed separately.

Once the tooth has been removed, you may need dissolvable stitches to repair any cuts in your gums.

Infolinks:
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
British Dental Association
British Dental Health Foundation

References:
1) Song, O'Meara & Wilson et al
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth
Health Technology Assessment (2000); 4: pp 1-55
2) Addenbrooke's Hospital
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth (PDF)
Published Oct 2005
Reviewed and reissued Aug 2007 (no changes made)
Review date Aug 2009