Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically emerge between ages 17-25. While some people have no problems, many need extraction due to impaction, crowding, or infection. Here's everything you need to know about wisdom tooth removal.
Signs Your Wisdom Tooth Needs Removal
- Pain or tenderness at the back of your jaw
- Swelling around the gum or jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away
- Repeated infections (pericoronitis)
- Crowding of other teeth
- Cavities in wisdom tooth or adjacent tooth
- Cysts or tumors (detected on X-ray)
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
| Type | Description | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Erupted | Tooth is fully visible above gum | Simple extraction |
| Soft Tissue Impaction | Crown visible, covered by gum | Minor surgery |
| Partial Bony Impaction | Part of tooth trapped in jawbone | Moderate surgery |
| Full Bony Impaction | Tooth completely encased in bone | Complex surgery |
The Extraction Procedure
Before the Procedure
- X-rays to assess tooth position and roots
- Medical history review
- Discussion of anesthesia options
- Pre-operative instructions (fasting if sedation is used)
During the Procedure
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia numbs the area. Sedation options available for anxious patients.
- Incision: For impacted teeth, a small cut in the gum exposes the tooth.
- Bone removal: Any bone blocking the tooth is carefully removed.
- Sectioning: Large teeth may be divided into sections for easier removal.
- Extraction: Tooth is loosened and removed.
- Cleaning: Socket is cleaned of debris.
- Stitches: Dissolving stitches close the wound (if needed).
- Gauze: Bite on gauze to control bleeding.
Duration: 20-45 minutes per tooth depending on complexity.
Recovery Timeline
Day 1-2: Swelling peaks. Rest, apply ice packs, take prescribed medication.
Day 3-4: Swelling starts reducing. Mild discomfort continues.
Day 5-7: Most people return to normal activities. Stitches may dissolve.
Week 2: Initial healing complete. Minor tenderness may remain.
Month 1-3: Bone and soft tissue fully heal.
Post-Extraction Care Tips
✅ DO:
- Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes to stop bleeding
- Apply ice packs (20 min on, 20 min off) for first 24 hours
- Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics
- Eat soft, cold foods (yogurt, ice cream, smoothies)
- Keep head elevated when sleeping
- Gently rinse with salt water after 24 hours
- Rest for 24-48 hours
❌ DON'T:
- No straws — suction can dislodge blood clot
- No smoking — delays healing, causes dry socket
- No spitting forcefully — can dislodge clot
- No hot foods/drinks — increases bleeding
- No hard or crunchy foods — can irritate wound
- No vigorous exercise — for 3-4 days
- No touching the wound — with tongue or fingers
⚠️ Watch for Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone. Symptoms: severe pain after 3-4 days, visible bone in socket, bad odor. Contact your dentist immediately if you suspect dry socket — it's treatable but painful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is wisdom tooth extraction?
During the procedure, you won't feel pain due to local anesthesia. After extraction, expect mild to moderate discomfort for 3-5 days, manageable with prescribed painkillers. Impacted teeth may cause more soreness than simple extractions.
How long does wisdom tooth recovery take?
Initial healing takes 1-2 weeks. You can return to normal activities in 2-3 days for simple extractions, or 5-7 days for surgical extractions. Complete bone and tissue healing takes 3-6 months.
What can I eat after wisdom tooth removal?
Stick to soft foods for 3-5 days: yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws!), soup, scrambled eggs, ice cream. Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, crunchy foods, and anything with small seeds that can get stuck.
Should I remove wisdom teeth if they don't hurt?
Sometimes yes. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems even without pain: cavities in neighboring teeth, cysts, gum disease, or crowding. Your dentist can assess via X-ray whether preventive removal is recommended.
Wisdom Tooth Troubling You?
Get your consultation today. We'll assess with X-rays and recommend the best approach.
Book ConsultationOr call: +91-7675850909
Dr. P. Srujana Krishna
MDS, Endodontist
8+ years experience in oral surgery and extractions at Janani Dental Care, Hafeezpet.