Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-05
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
They say toothaches hurt more than major illnesses, and wisdom teeth can be pure agony. Yet some folks feel nothing and don’t even know they’ve grown in. Is it true you only extract if there’s pain? And does removal really slim your face? The Bowtie team sits down with Dr. Cheung Shin-luk to dive deep into these questions and bust common myths.
They say toothaches are worse than major illnesses, and one of the most unbearable is growing wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth often cause immense pain, leading to sleepless nights and making it impossible to eat normally. On the flip side, some people experience no obvious symptoms and might not even know they’ve grown wisdom teeth, yet they still think they need to get them removed.
“If it doesn’t hurt, no need to pull it” – is this old wisdom accurate? Will your face slim down after wisdom tooth extraction? The Bowtie team invited Dr. Cheung Shin Luk to dive deep into these questions and common myths.
What Are Wisdom Teeth? Definition Explained
Wisdom teeth are the third molars on the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws (also the last ones), typically emerging between ages 18 and 25.
Does Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth? When Do They Hurt?
Statistics show that about 75% of people have all four wisdom teeth, while around 25% are missing at least one. If the dental arch lacks space or the wisdom tooth grows at the wrong angle or position, it can’t fully erupt, leading to impacted wisdom teeth. Symptoms include pain, gum abscesses, bad breath, swelling in the affected facial area, and difficulty opening the mouth.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth? Handling Impaction
I recommend patients aged 16-19 visit a dental clinic for an oral exam and X-rays to assess wisdom tooth growth and determine if removal is needed.
As for whether extraction is necessary, dentists generally consider the following factors:
First, clarify if removing the wisdom tooth addresses a current issue or prevents future ones – is it preventive or therapeutic?
1. Therapeutic
For example, if the wisdom tooth is decayed, abscessed, has gum inflammation, or causes cysts or resorption of the adjacent tooth’s root, removal is needed.
2. Preventive
For instance, if the wisdom tooth traps food easily and is hard to clean, leading to potential future issues, extraction might be decided. Generally, partially erupted impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to problems, as plaque accumulates in the impacted area, causing decay, periodontal disease, or pericoronitis.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: Risks and Complications
Note that risks vary per patient, considering medical history, age, and impaction level. Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure; common issues include facial swelling and pain. Other frequent risks are bleeding, wound infection, and root fracture. Less common but important to know: lower wisdom tooth removal may damage nearby nerves.
We can also refer to guidelines from other countries. For example, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence , or NICE) recommends removing wisdom teeth only when problems arise. For the first episode of pericoronitis, unless severe, extraction isn’t necessary.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) suggests two points: First, if wisdom teeth are likely to cause future issues, surgical removal is advised; second, decide before age 25, as older age means slower recovery and higher surgical difficulty.
Common Myths About Wisdom Teeth
1. Will removing wisdom teeth make your face slimmer?
Nope, that’s just a beautiful myth. Your facial shape is determined by bones like the cheekbones, maxilla, and mandible—muscles and teeth only add minor tweaks.
2. Will keeping lower wisdom teeth cause crooked front teeth?
In modern dentistry, crowding of lower front teeth can stem from multiple causes, and wisdom teeth might be one factor. But experts agree: don’t remove them just to prevent crowding.
3. No pain means no need to remove?
Sometimes patients discover impacted wisdom tooth issues only during X-rays, so relying solely on pain or gum inflammation isn’t a reliable gauge of dental health.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost in Hong Kong
Surgery fees depend on complexity, whether it’s done by a general dentist or specialist, and if local or general anesthesia is used. Costs can range from a few thousand to ten thousand HKD.
Dos and Don’ts Before & After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
1. Before Extraction
Since wisdom tooth removal is a minor surgery, inform your doctor about your latest medical history and any medications you’re taking. Before the procedure, ensure your mouth and teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Unless instructed otherwise, have a light, easy-to-digest meal beforehand. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
2. After Surgery
On the day of surgery, focus on two key things: pain relief and bleeding control.
For pain, take the painkillers prescribed by your dental surgeon. For bleeding, bite down on gauze for about 30 minutes post-surgery. Avoid brushing, spitting, or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours. If bleeding resumes, bite on fresh gauze for 30-40 minutes.
The wound typically heals gradually, closing up in about a month. During this time, rinse with saltwater or plain water to flush out food debris from the socket, keeping it clean and preventing inflammation.
Figure 1: Gum covering the crown can easily cause inflammation
Figure 2: X-ray shows impacted wisdom tooth causing severe decay in the adjacent tooth
Figure 3: Odontogenic cyst developed in the tissue near the lower right wisdom tooth
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