Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, though some people have fewer or none at all. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they arrive later than other teeth, at an age traditionally associated with gaining maturity and wisdom.
For some people, wisdom teeth come through without any trouble. For many others, there is simply not enough room in the jaw for them to emerge properly, which can lead to impaction, infection, crowding, and damage to the teeth next door. Understanding what your wisdom teeth are doing, and whether they need attention, starts with a proper clinical examination and imaging.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located at the back of the mouth, and for many people, there is not enough space for them to come through properly.
While some people have four wisdom teeth, others may have fewer or none at all, due to genetics. When wisdom teeth grow in alignment with the other teeth and there is enough space for them to erupt properly, they usually do not cause issues. However, for some cases, these teeth become impacted or difficult to clean, leading to decay and gum disease. In such cases, removal is often recommended.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Here are some of the common reasons why wisdom teeth are removed:
- Discomfort: Emerging wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, especially if they are impacted or growing at an angle.
- Infection and inflammation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to painful infections known as pericoronitis.
- Crowding and alignment issues: Wisdom teeth can push against neighbouring teeth, potentially causing crowding or undoing previous orthodontic work.
- Cysts and tumours: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumours in the jawbone.
- Tooth decay: Due to their position at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are often harder to clean properly, making them more susceptible to decay.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on your individual case. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. The decision should be based on clinical evidence, not guesswork or a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common Reasons Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Your dentist may recommend extraction when wisdom teeth are:
- Impacted — trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle into the neighbouring tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and pressure, and they are difficult to keep clean.
- Causing recurring infection — partially erupted wisdom teeth create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to a painful condition called pericoronitis. This can flare up repeatedly until the tooth is removed.
- Crowding or damaging adjacent teeth — wisdom teeth growing sideways can push against your second molars, causing decay, root damage, or bone loss in otherwise healthy teeth.
- Associated with cysts or pathology — in rarer cases, the sac around an impacted wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that damages the surrounding bone and teeth.
When Removal May Not Be Needed
If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly positioned, healthy, and you can clean them effectively, there may be no clinical reason to remove them. Some people keep their wisdom teeth for life without any issues. We see patients regularly who have been told elsewhere that all four need to come out, when in reality two are sitting perfectly fine. If your wisdom teeth are not causing problems and are not likely to, we will tell you straight.
How We Assess Your Wisdom Teeth
At Innova Dental, we do not guess and we do not recommend treatment you do not need. Every wisdom teeth consultation at our Launceston or Prospect practice includes OPG and 3D cone beam imaging, giving us a complete picture of root position, nerve proximity, and surrounding bone. That imaging is what separates an informed recommendation from an assumption.
With over 1,000 wisdom teeth removed in 2025 and 99.6% of cases managed entirely in-house, our team has the clinical depth to tell you exactly what needs treatment and what does not. No pressure, no unnecessary procedures.
Book a consultation for an honest assessment of your wisdom teeth. If they are fine, we will tell you.
What Happens If I Don't Remove Problematic Wisdom Teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and well-positioned, leaving them alone is perfectly reasonable. But if they are impacted, partially erupted, or already showing signs of trouble, delaying removal can make things significantly worse.
Consequences of Waiting
- Spreading infection — an infected wisdom tooth does not resolve on its own. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues, the jaw, and in serious cases, the neck and airway. There is an old saying in dentistry: "don't let the sun set on pus." Infected wisdom teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies we see, and they almost always could have been managed more simply if addressed earlier.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth — an impacted wisdom tooth pressing against your second molar can cause decay and bone loss in a tooth that was otherwise completely healthy. Losing a second molar is a far bigger problem than removing a wisdom tooth.
- Cyst formation — the sac surrounding an impacted tooth can develop into a cyst over time, hollowing out the jawbone and potentially damaging nerves and adjacent tooth roots.
- More complex surgery and longer recovery — wisdom teeth roots continue to develop and anchor more firmly into the bone as you age. A straightforward extraction at 20 can become a more involved surgical procedure at 35, with a longer recovery period and higher risk of complications.
None of this is meant to frighten you. It is meant to help you make an informed decision with the right information at the right time. If you have been putting off a wisdom teeth consultation, or if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or a bad taste at the back of your mouth, do not wait until it becomes an emergency.
Book a consultation at our Launceston or Prospect practice — the sooner we can see what is going on, the more options you have.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Removing wisdom teeth can bring several benefits, including:
- Pain relief: Wisdom teeth are often removed when they cause ongoing pain or discomfort. Removing them can provide immediate relief and prevent future episodes of pain.
- Prevention of dental issues: Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent a range of dental issues, including infections, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Better oral hygiene: Wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth can be challenging to clean. Removing them can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Prevention of crowding: Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent crowding and alignment issues, preserving the results of previous orthodontic treatment.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
- Young age (18 to 25): The suitable time to remove wisdom teeth is typically during late adolescence or early adulthood, when the roots are not fully developed and the bone is less dense. This makes the extraction easier and recovery faster.
- Symptoms present: If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, or other issues related to your wisdom teeth, it is time to see a dentist. These symptoms can indicate that the wisdom teeth are causing problems and may need to be removed.
- Preventative removal: In some cases, a dentist may recommend removal even before symptoms appear if X-rays show that the wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems in the future.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Don't be alarmed by the term "surgery." Wisdom teeth extraction is a common, well-practised procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss the best approach based on your individual case, including the option of sleep dentistry if you experience dental anxiety.
Our team uses innovative technology to ensure safe and precise extractions. Every complex case is mapped with 3D cone beam imaging before we begin, giving us a precise view of nerve position relative to your tooth roots. This is how we have achieved zero cases of permanent numbness across more than 1,000 extractions.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Your dental team will provide specific aftercare instructions to support your recovery, including guidance on diet, pain management, and oral hygiene.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Innova Dental
- 1,000+ extractions in 2025 — our team handles wisdom teeth every day, from straightforward erupted teeth to deeply impacted surgical cases.
- Zero cases of permanent numbness — every complex case is mapped with 3D cone beam imaging before we begin, giving us a precise view of nerve position relative to your tooth roots.
- 99.6% managed in-house — no referrals to external oral surgeons. You stay with one team from consultation through recovery.
- $396 to $1,320 per tooth — depending on complexity. A straightforward erupted tooth sits at the lower end; a fully impacted tooth requiring surgical extraction sits at the upper end. We give you an exact treatment plan at your consultation. We accept all major health funds and offer payment plan options. See our full wisdom teeth removal cost guide for detailed pricing.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner, though some people develop fewer or none at all. They typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, which is later than all other permanent teeth.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth need to be removed when they are impacted (trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle), causing recurring infection, damaging adjacent teeth, or associated with cysts. Not every wisdom tooth requires removal. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, well-positioned, and you can keep them clean, they may not need to come out at all. A consultation with imaging is the only way to know for certain.
At what age do wisdom teeth come in?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, though the timing varies from person to person. Some people notice them as early as 15 or 16, while others may not see them until their late twenties. In some cases, wisdom teeth remain completely buried beneath the gum and never emerge at all.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
Common signs of impacted wisdom teeth include pain or tenderness at the back of your jaw, swollen or red gums behind your last molar, difficulty opening your mouth fully, a bad taste or persistent bad breath, and swelling in the jaw or cheek. However, some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all and are only discovered through dental X-rays, which is why regular check-ups matter.
Can wisdom teeth cause other teeth to shift?
There is debate among dental professionals about whether wisdom teeth directly cause front teeth to crowd. What is well established is that impacted wisdom teeth can push against and damage the second molars next to them, causing decay, root resorption, and bone loss. Whether they contribute to crowding of front teeth is less clear, and other factors like jaw growth patterns also play a role. If crowding is a concern, your dentist can assess your specific situation with imaging.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, properly positioned, and you can clean them effectively, there may be no clinical reason to remove them. At Innova Dental, we use 3D cone beam imaging to assess each tooth individually and only recommend removal when it is clinically necessary. We regularly see patients who have been told elsewhere that all four need extraction, when some are sitting perfectly fine.
Ready to find out what your wisdom teeth are doing? Book a wisdom teeth consultation at our Launceston or Prospect practice. We will give you an honest assessment, a clear treatment plan, and a fixed quote before any work begins.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results may vary from patient to patient.