At what age should wisdom teeth be checked?

When to have a first assessment, what it involves and why timing matters.

Dr Bill Kalis — Saturday 14 November 2026

Wisdom teeth are best checked in the mid to late teens, between about 15 and 19. By the early twenties it is usually clear whether they have room to come through or are likely to cause trouble.

I am Dr Bill Kalis, principal dentist at Padstow Dental in Padstow, Sydney. Parents often ask me when to have their teenager's wisdom teeth looked at, so here is a simple guide.

Why check wisdom teeth in the teens?

At this age the teeth can be seen on an X-ray, but their roots are not yet fully formed. If removal is needed, it is generally more straightforward and recovery tends to be quicker in younger patients. Checking early also means a decision can be planned around school, exams and work.

What does a wisdom teeth check involve?

An examination and a panoramic X-ray, which shows all four wisdom teeth and how they are positioned. If a tooth sits close to a nerve, we may also take a 3D scan on site to see its exact position.

Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?

No. Wisdom teeth that come through fully, can be cleaned and are not causing problems can stay. Many are simply monitored. Removal is recommended when there is a clear reason.

What are the signs of a problem?

• Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth

• A flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth that gets sore or infected

• Food catching behind the last molar

• Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it

• A bad taste or difficulty opening wide

Some problem wisdom teeth cause no symptoms and are found only on an X-ray.

What if I am older and never had mine checked?

It is still worth doing. Wisdom teeth can be removed at any age, although healing can take a little longer as we get older.

What happens if removal is recommended?

We explain why, what is involved and the cost. Removal can be done under local anaesthetic or IV sedation at our practice, and no referral is needed. Removing four wisdom teeth under IV sedation costs about $3,800 in total.

Fees are a guide only. Treatment costs are confirmed after your consultation.

Common questions about wisdom teeth checks

Does my teenager need a referral?

No. You can book with us directly.

Will the X-ray show everything?

A panoramic X-ray is enough for most people. A 3D scan is added only when more detail is needed.

Is it better to remove all four at once?

Often, yes, as it means one procedure and one recovery. It depends on the teeth.

How long is recovery?

Most people recover in 3 to 7 days.

Book a wisdom teeth check

Call Padstow Dental on 02 9773 4775, or read about wisdom tooth removal at Padstow Dental and what can happen if wisdom teeth are left.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Written by Dr Bill Kalis, Principal Dentist at Padstow Dental. BDS (Hons), University of Sydney, 1994. Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry, University of Adelaide, 2007. Past State and Federal President of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. Dr Kalis is a general dentist with a focus on implant, surgical and IV sedation dentistry.