Wisdom teeth: when to remove them, symptoms and recovery

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in — usually between ages 17 and 25. Many people have four, though some have fewer or none.

Because they arrive when the rest of the teeth are already in place, they often lack space and end up partially erupted, tilted or fully inside the bone (impacted).

Signs you should get them checked

Book an exam if you notice any of these at the back of your mouth:

• Pain or pressure that comes and goes at the back of the jaw.
• Swollen, red or bleeding gums around the tooth.
• A persistent bad taste or bad breath in that area.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or discomfort when chewing.
• Food constantly getting trapped behind the last molar.

When is removal recommended?

Extraction is recommended when the tooth causes — or is likely to cause — problems: repeated gum infections (pericoronitis), decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar next to it, pressure on other teeth, cysts, or a position that makes it impossible to clean.

If the tooth came in straight, is functional and can be cleaned, it is often enough to monitor it at check-ups. A panoramic X-ray shows its position, roots and proximity to the nerve.

How is the extraction done?

It is done in the office under local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure but not pain. An erupted wisdom tooth is usually a simple extraction; an impacted one requires minor surgery with stitches.

Before treatment, the dentist explains the plan, estimated time and aftercare, and answers your questions.

Recovery: what to expect

Swelling and soreness are normal for the first two or three days and then ease. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, while the gum finishes healing over a few weeks. If you are traveling, let us know your dates so we can plan the timing.

• First 24 hours: bite on the gauze as instructed, apply cold on the outside of your face and rest with your head raised.
• Don't spit forcefully, use straws or smoke — they can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
• Eat soft, lukewarm or cold foods for the first days.
• Take only the medication your dentist prescribes.
• Brush gently, avoiding the wound on the first day.

When to contact us again

Message us if pain increases after day three, you develop a fever, bleeding doesn't stop with pressure, there is a strong bad smell, or swelling grows instead of going down.