Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth removal is required more often than you might think and we've helped many patients in Hamilton with this treatment for years. Teeth are all supposed to fit together but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way when it comes to wisdom teeth.


You can have the best oral health in the world, but if they want to come out it’s going to have to happen. Our dentists have the expertise, knowledge and experience to make this procedure as comfortable as it can be so you can have it done and get on with your normal life.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth usually appear at the back of your mouth during your late teens or early twenties. Often there is no room for them to "erupt" (come through the gum) and the teeth fail to emerge properly. They can be partially erupted through the gum, or remain trapped below the gum. This is known as an ‘impacted’ wisdom tooth.

Why don't my wisdom teeth fit?

There are a few theories as to why they don't always fit nicely next to adjacent teeth in people’s mouths. Some experts think genetics may play a part. For example, you may have inherited one parent’s small jaw and another parent’s large teeth.

Another theory suggests the size of our mouths has decreased over the centuries because our diet has changed and our jaws don’t need to be as large and strong as they were in prehistoric times.

Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom tooth removal is only required if they cause problems. For example:

  • When they become difficult to clean they are prone to tooth decay, gum disease and recurring infections
  • When they cause cysts and tumours in tissues around impacted wisdom teeth
  • If they are unable to erupt they may cause pressure and damage or crowd the neighbouring teeth
  • If you feel any pain and experience some swelling.

Throughout your life, you may experience discomfort caused by your wisdom teeth and this is fairly normal. This doesn’t always mean you will need to have a wisdom tooth extracted. Wisdom teeth extraction is only required when the impaction or eruption of your wisdom teeth is causing other issues in your mouth.

Who will remove my wisdom teeth?

Our dentists are very experienced with the removal procedure. Because we see so many cases we have a panoramic x-ray on-site which allows us to image the wisdom teeth’s location in the jaw very precisely. Where a case is very complex we may decide to send you through to refer you to an oral surgeon.

Is it painful to get wisdom teeth removed?

Surgical removal can cause more discomfort than routine extractions. You may experience:

  • Some swelling and minor bleeding
  • Difficulty in fully opening your mouth
  • Some ear or headache or aching jaw
  • A change of sensation or numbness of your lip or chin.

All of these symptoms are temporary and in most cases, your mouth will be feeling normal a week after your surgery.

Wisdom tooth extraction will be carried out under local anaesthetic or in some cases general anaesthetic depending on the nature of the surgery. Once the extraction has been carried out, you may experience discomfort for a few days following the procedure and you will be prescribed with some pain medication to help to manage that pain.

We carry out a wide range of oral surgeries at Hamilton Dental and we make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible in the lead-up to the surgery, during the surgery and post-surgery.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

The cost of wisdom tooth removal can vary depending on any circumstances/complexities that might exist with your procedure. We will be able to provide you with a quote given your situation and what form of treatment is required.

If you are experiencing any sort of discomfort with your wisdom teeth, you should visit a dentist today and they will be able to advise you on the best course of action and dental treatment.

Happy woman before having wisdom teeth removal

Want to find out more?

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