Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When It's Needed & What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all four wisdom teeth need to come out at once?

No. Each tooth is judged on its own. If only one or two are causing trouble, those can be removed while healthy ones stay put. When all four are impacted, some patients choose to have them out together in a single session to get recovery over with once — it's a practical decision we make with you.

At what age should wisdom teeth be assessed?

Most wisdom teeth appear between about 17 and 25, so the late teens and early twenties are the usual time to check them. Removal is often simpler at a younger age, because the roots aren't fully formed and the bone is more forgiving — but there's no age at which it becomes too late if a problem develops.

How soon can I get back to work and exercise?

Many people take the rest of the day off and return to desk work the next day after a simple removal; a surgical extraction may need two or three quieter days. Hold off on strenuous exercise for about a week. If throbbing pain arrives a few days later rather than easing, contact us — it can signal a dry socket, which is easily treated.

Is it safe to just leave healthy wisdom teeth alone?

Yes, if they're fully through, sitting in a normal position and you can keep them clean. In that case, monitoring them at your regular check-ups — with the occasional X-ray — is perfectly reasonable. Removal is only worth considering once the signs change.