Wisdom teeth removal 

When do wisdom teeth need removing?
If the wisdom tooth has grown awkwardly, it may be difficult to keep clean. Plaque may start to build up around it, leading to an infection called pericoronitis that causes pain and swelling.

A build-up of plaque can also cause tooth decay in the wisdom tooth itself or in the tooth next to it. Gum disease (peridontal disease) can affect the surrounding teeth as well as the bone. Cysts can also form around a developing wisdom tooth, if it cannot grow through properly.

Antibiotics can clear up infection, but they will not stop it from reoccurring. The only permanent solution is to have the offending tooth (or teeth) removed.

Will I need to go to a hospital or a dental surgery?
If the extraction is simple you can probably go and see your regular dentist. More complicated cases, however, are often referred to a specialist hospital-based consultant, such as an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

If you have to go into hospital, you should be able to go home the same day, even if you have a general anaesthetic. If you do have a general anaesthetic, you should arrange to have a friend or relative to help you get home afterwards, as you may be disorientated and must not drive.

My wisdom teeth are impacted but not infected, should I still have them removed?
According to guidance from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), impacted wisdom teeth that are not infected or causing pain should not be operated on.

Only patients with diseased wisdom teeth, or other oral conditions, should have their wisdom teeth removed.

NICE says that there is no reliable research to suggest that the removal of disease free impacted wisdom teeth is beneficial to patients.

Risks from unnecessary surgery can include, nerve damage, damage to other teeth, infection and bleeding. Also, after surgery to remove wisdom teeth, patients may have swelling, pain and the mouth may not open fully (1).

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

Reference:
1) National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Accessed May 2 2009