Adults usually have 32 teeth, and wisdom teeth are the last ones to erupt at the very back of the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but in some cases they may come in several years later. If all the other teeth are present and healthy, there might not be enough space for the wisdom tooth to erupt properly, which can lead to problems.  

When removing an upper or lower wisdom tooth, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove some surrounding bone to access the tooth. The tooth is often sectioned (divided into smaller pieces), and the roots are removed separately.

Also read: Children’s Toothache | The Most Common Causes

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Problems?

No. If there is enough space for them, wisdom teeth can erupt and function just like any other tooth. There may be some mild discomfort when they first come through, but this is usually temporary and should disappear once the tooth has fully erupted into its proper position.

Also read: Front Teeth Replacement | How to Replace Missing Front Teeth

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

If there isn’t enough room, a wisdom tooth may try to erupt but becomes stuck against the tooth in front of it. In this case, the wisdom tooth is angled and cannot come through properly. Your dentist will describe this as an “impacted” wisdom tooth and will usually recommend removing the upper or lower wisdom tooth.

Main Reasons for Removing an Upper or Lower Wisdom Tooth

There are several reasons why a wisdom tooth might need to be removed, including but not limited to:

– Lack of space and impaction  

– Recurrent pain or swelling of the gum around the tooth  

– Tooth decay (caries) in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it  

– Gum disease (periodontal problems) in the area  

– Cysts or other pathology developing around the wisdom tooth  

Also read: Orthodontic Braces Requirements | Answered by a Dentist at Batal Dental Center

Is It Difficult to Remove a Wisdom Tooth?

This depends entirely on the position of the tooth and the shape of its roots. After reviewing your dental X‑rays, the dentist will explain how simple or complex it is likely to be to remove each tooth. In many cases, upper wisdom teeth are easier to remove than lower ones.

We recommend visiting Batal Dental Center in Saudi Arabia, where the experienced clinical team can assess each case individually and determine whether removing the upper or lower wisdom tooth is necessary or if it can be left in place.

Also read: Childhood Tooth Decay | Causes and Treatment

What Should I Expect After Upper or Lower Wisdom Tooth Removal?

The level of discomfort depends on how easy or difficult the extraction was. You can expect some swelling and soreness for a few days afterward. It is very important to follow the post‑operative instructions from Batal Dental Center in Saudi Arabia to promote proper healing and reduce discomfort.  

Your dentist will likely schedule a follow‑up visit about a week later to check the healing progress and remove any stitches (sutures) if they were placed.

Will Removing a Wisdom Tooth Change My Face or Mouth Shape?

You may experience some facial swelling for a few days after the extraction, but once the area has healed, there will be no change in your facial features or appearance. On the contrary, most patients feel more comfortable and notice relief from previous pain or pressure.

What Problems Should I Be Prepared For?

If part of the wisdom tooth has erupted through the gum while the rest remains covered, the gum tissue around it can become sore and possibly swollen. Food debris and bacteria may collect under the gum flap, making the area difficult to clean properly.

Your dentist will let you know whether this is a temporary problem that can be managed with antiseptic mouth rinses, special cleaning techniques, and possibly antibiotics—or whether it would be better to remove the tooth.

Sometimes, there is no single clear-cut reason to rely on when deciding to remove an upper or lower wisdom tooth. That’s why you should discuss your situation with a dentist. We recommend Batal Dental Center in Saudi Arabia, which follows effective, evidence‑based treatment approaches.

The dental clinic at Batal Specialized Complex is equipped with advanced tools and technologies to help anyone suffering from dental pain get relief under the care of highly skilled dentists. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the dental clinic of Batal Specialized Complex.

Also read: The Difference Between a Gum Abscess and a Tooth Abscess