What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth — one in each corner of the mouth. While some people's wisdom teeth come in normally and cause no issues, many people experience problems that require removal.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
The human jaw has evolved to be smaller over time, which often means there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. When this happens, the teeth may become:
- Impacted — trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone, unable to fully emerge
- Partially erupted — only partially breaking through the gum, creating a flap that traps food and bacteria
- Misaligned — growing at an angle, pressing against neighbouring teeth
- Crowding — pushing other teeth out of alignment, potentially undoing orthodontic work
Signs You May Need Removal
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. However, you should consult your dentist if you experience:
- Pain or swelling at the back of your jaw
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth area
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste despite good oral hygiene
- Recurring infections (pericoronitis) around a partially erupted tooth
- Damage to adjacent teeth — cavities or root resorption on neighbouring molars
- Cyst formation — fluid-filled sac developing around an impacted tooth
The Removal Procedure
Before the Procedure
Your dentist will take X-rays (often a panoramic X-ray or OPG) to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth, their proximity to nerves, and the complexity of the extraction. Based on this assessment, you will be informed about what to expect.
During the Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal is performed under local anaesthesia. For impacted teeth, a small incision is made in the gum, and sometimes a small amount of bone may need to be removed. The tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions. A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. Most patients can return to normal activities within 2 to 3 days.
Recovery Tips
- First 24 hours — bite on gauze, avoid spitting or using a straw (to prevent dry socket), apply ice packs externally
- Diet — soft foods only for 3-5 days (yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies). Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods
- Pain management — take prescribed pain medications as directed. Over-the-counter painkillers usually suffice
- Oral hygiene — gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first day
- Rest — avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days to minimise swelling and bleeding
- No smoking — smoking delays healing and increases the risk of dry socket
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before the wound heals. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing intense pain. It occurs in about 2-5% of extractions and is more common with lower wisdom teeth. Following aftercare instructions carefully significantly reduces this risk.
Preventive Removal: Should You Remove Healthy Wisdom Teeth?
This is a topic of ongoing debate in dentistry. Some dentists recommend preventive removal of wisdom teeth in the late teens to avoid future complications, as the procedure is easier and recovery faster in younger patients. Others prefer a watch-and-wait approach, only removing them if problems develop. Your dentist will advise based on your specific situation.
At Holy Care Dental Clinic, we take a conservative approach — we only recommend extraction when it is clearly beneficial to the patient's long-term oral health.
Book a Consultation
If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or you want a professional assessment, visit Holy Care Dental & Orthodontics Clinic. Call 079772 57779 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pinky Vijay.
