Why wisdom teeth cause problems
Wisdom teeth usually come through between the ages of 17 and 25, and there is not always room for them in the jaw. Without room, a tooth can stay impacted under the bone or gum, or come through only partly. Food and bacteria collect under the flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth, and the area is hard to reach with a brush.
When removal is needed
Removal is advised when the gum around the tooth becomes infected again and again, when decay develops in the wisdom tooth or in the neighbouring tooth it leans against, when a cyst forms around it or when it affects the root of the next tooth. In these situations waiting makes the problem larger. The decision is made with an X-ray and, where needed, a 3D scan.
When a wisdom tooth can stay
A wisdom tooth that has come through fully, meets the opposing tooth, has no decay and can be reached with a brush works like any other tooth. Teeth that are completely impacted, cause no symptoms and show no problem on X-ray are often monitored. Removing problem-free impacted teeth purely as a precaution is not advised in the guidelines of many countries. The idea that wisdom teeth cause crowding of the front teeth is not supported by research either.
Risks of removal and follow-up
After a wisdom tooth is removed, swelling, limited mouth opening and a few days of pain are normal. Less often there is pain from loss of the blood clot in the socket, or numbness of the lower lip or tongue that is usually temporary. That risk depends on how close the tooth lies to the nerve and on age. If the tooth is left in place, it is checked at regular visits with an X-ray from time to time.
Frequently asked questions
Should a wisdom tooth that does not hurt be removed?
Being pain-free is not enough on its own; the X-ray should also show no problem. A tooth with no symptoms and a clear X-ray is often monitored.
Do wisdom teeth push the front teeth out of line?
Research does not support this. Crowding of the front teeth can also increase with age in people who have no wisdom teeth.
Is there a good age for removal?
If removal is needed, roots are shorter and bone is more flexible at a younger age, and healing is usually easier. That alone is not a reason to remove a problem-free tooth early.
Is numbness after wisdom tooth removal permanent?
Usually not. Numbness of the lower lip or tongue is uncommon and generally passes within weeks; lasting numbness is rare. Your dentist will explain the risk based on your X-ray.
Are all four wisdom teeth removed together?
They can be, but only when each of them needs to come out. Whether this is done in one visit or two is planned around the position of the teeth and your preference.
This content is for general information only and does not replace an examination.
Edited by
Papatya Dental
This article draws on the clinical experience of the Papatya Dental team and is reviewed for accuracy before publication.
- Last updated:
- 2026-10-08
- Editorial contact:
- icerik@papatyadental.com