Many people have heard that lower wisdom teeth hurt more to remove than upper ones. In reality each position has its own features, and the difficulty also depends on how each tooth lies.
- Upper wisdom teeth often have short roots, sometimes fused, and sit near the sinus.
- Lower wisdom teeth usually have two roots, are often tilted or impacted and lie near a nerve.
- Lower removal is usually more involved, but real difficulty depends on direction, roots and position.
- The dentist uses an X-ray to assess and choose the safest way to remove each tooth.
What is special about upper wisdom teeth?
Upper wisdom teeth often have shorter roots that may be fused into one cluster, and they sit near the upper jaw sinus. The upper jawbone is more spongy, so removal is often gentler. However, in some people the roots touch the sinus, so the dentist needs to look at an X-ray first.
What is special about lower wisdom teeth?
Lower wisdom teeth usually have two roots, lie in denser jawbone and are more often tilted or impacted. This area can be close to a nerve, so removal needs more care, and swelling and discomfort afterwards are often greater. You may read our article on when tilted wisdom teeth should be removed.
Which is harder?
- Lower wisdom tooth removal is usually more involved, especially when the tooth is tilted or impacted.
- Upper wisdom tooth removal is usually gentler, but not always simple.
- The real difficulty depends on the direction of the tooth, the number of roots, the shape of the roots and how close it is to a nerve or the sinus.
How does the dentist assess it?
The dentist usually requests an X-ray to see how the tooth lies and its relationship with the nerve and sinus. See our article on how panoramic and periapical X-rays differ. If you worry about pain, you can read whether wisdom tooth removal hurts.
What should you know after removal?
- Keep the wound undisturbed, bite on gauze for the full time and do not rinse hard.
- Lower wisdom teeth are more likely to swell, so prepare soft food and rest.
- Read about the age at which wisdom teeth come in.
You are welcome to walk in during opening hours at Nha Khoa Kỳ Hòa, 266A - 268, 3 Tháng 2 Street, Hòa Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter time slots. The dentist will examine you and advise what suits each case.
Frequently asked questions
Does lower wisdom tooth removal hurt more than the upper?
It is usually more involved and tends to swell more, but how much it hurts depends on the anaesthetic and on the individual.
Can upper wisdom teeth affect the sinus?
The roots of upper wisdom teeth can lie near the sinus. The dentist views an X-ray first to assess and choose a safe way to remove them.
Do all four wisdom teeth have to be removed together?
Not necessarily. The dentist decides based on the condition of each tooth and your health.