Wisdom teeth
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth only need removing when there's no room and they cause pain, swelling, infection or decay. If they come through cleanly and behave, we're happy to leave them and simply keep an eye on them.
When wisdom teeth actually need to come out
Wisdom teeth are the last to arrive, usually in the late teens or twenties, and by then the jaw is often full. When there's no room, they get stuck or only half-erupt, and that's when trouble starts — pain, swelling, repeated infections around a half-covered tooth, decay in a spot no brush can reach, or the odd cyst. Those are the reasons we'd suggest taking one out.
But plenty of wisdom teeth cause no bother at all. If yours have come through in a good position, bite together properly and you can keep them clean, there's no need to remove a healthy tooth for the sake of it. We'd simply watch them at your check-ups and act only if something changes.
What recovery is like
Most people are back to their normal routine by the next day, though a bit of swelling and stiffness can linger for up to two weeks while everything settles. We'll send you home with clear aftercare — rest that first day, soft food, and leave the healing socket well alone.
One thing that genuinely matters: smoking sharply raises the risk of infection and dry socket, so give it a miss while you heal. If pain climbs rather than eases a few days on, phone the practice and let us take a look.
Common questions
Does everyone have to get their wisdom teeth out?
No. Removal is only advised when a wisdom tooth is impacted or causing pain, infection, decay or crowding. Healthy, well-positioned ones that you can keep clean are best left alone.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
Most people feel back to normal within a day or two, with some swelling possible for up to two weeks. Avoiding smoking and following the aftercare speeds things along.