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.
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.
Here are some of the common reasons why wisdom teeth are 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.
Your dentist may recommend extraction when wisdom teeth are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Removing wisdom teeth can bring several benefits, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.