It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Your dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted. Your dentist will say whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be referred to a specialist (oral surgeon) at a hospital.
Wisdom teeth may be removed using a local anaesthetic – as you would have for a filling. Sometimes, if the procedure is deemed harder or if the patient is worried about the surgery, the surgical team can use oral or intravenous sedation during the procedure. You could also have a general anaesthetic (where you would be asleep), but this will usually be given only in a hospital.
Side effects of wisdom tooth removal include mild to moderate swelling, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, possible bruising and discomfort. There is a nerve that runs below the wisdom tooth and your treating dentist will inform you of the risks of trauma to this nerve.