Do wisdom teeth eventually stop causing trouble?

araic88

My wisdom teeth caused me a lot of trouble about two years ago, both at really bad times during my final year of college (the only times time-off weren't ok!) To be honest I forgot about them then as antibiotics temporarily solved the problem.
Last summer one was hurting a little so the dentist removed it - judging from the xray it was straightforward, but the other three would have to be done by an oral surgeon.
The other three haven't caused any trouble but if they could I'd like to avoid that!

So my questions, when wisdom teeth are finished growing do they no longer cause trouble?
And...
The x-ray I had was taken just over a year ago. I've an appointment with the oral surgeon in August and was told to bring it along, but is it now obsolete??
I don't mind surgery etc. but would avoid the hassle if i could

Oral Surgeon

It depends on the original problem....

If they were decayed and broken down teeth and previously caused tooth ache or abscess- then they will only be temporary sorted with antibiotics and need to be extracted.

If they are impacted/partially erupted teeth that have caused trouble in the past- they may in some people resolve but in my experience usually need removal at some stage.

It sounds like you are about 25?? And from your post- it doesn't sound like you have had trouble from these other 3 wisdoms??

In general if wisdoms are fully buried and not visible in the mouth- they should be left alone (there are a small number of exceptions). If they are fully up in the mouth, biting on the opposing tooth, not decayed and have a good cuff of hard gum all around the tooth- they should be left alone

The grey area is when they are partially erupted. In this case, they can cause acute/chronic gum infections that may spread to the facial tissues... The acute infections you know all about, the chronic infections can be grumbling away causing you problems without you being aware. Partially erupted teeth may also create stagnant areas and dental decay of the wisdom or the adjacent tooth- if left alone, a patient may lose both the wisdom and the adjacent tooth....

Bottom line is go see your oral surgeon for advice on your particular situation.... That x-ray would be considered old and they will probably take a new one so as not to miss new decay/ cysts/ pathology etc.....

Good luck,
OS

araic88

Cheers!!
It was mostly wishful thinking I could assume they won't cause trouble, but now at least it seems like the €150+ consultation fee will be worth it
Thanks again