Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common, often routine, surgical procedure to extract one or more of the four permanent third molars located at the back of the mouth, usually performed when they are impacted, causing pain, infection, or crowding. Performed by a dentist or oral surgeon, it involves local anesthesia or sedation, usually taking about an hour with a week of recovery period.
When It's Needed
The tooth is stuck beneath the gum or bone, preventing proper eruption.
Partially erupted teeth create a pocket that traps food and bacteria, leading to infections (pericoronitis), pain, or swelling.
Wisdom teeth can damage the second molars by crowding them or causing decay.
Dentists often recommend removal during late teens or early twenties to avoid future issues with decay or gum disease, even if symptoms are not currently present.
The surgeon may make a small incision in the gum tissue, remove any bone covering the tooth, and sometimes divide the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate removal, followed by stitches.
Recovery and Expectations
Common symptoms
Temporary pain, swelling, facial bruising, and slight bleeding.
Care steps
Rest, applying ice packs, eating soft foods, and keeping the site clean, typically allowing a return to normal activities within a few days to two weeks.
When to Seek Care
You may need this procedure if you experience severe jaw pain, swelling, or signs of infection in the back of your mouth, requiring a consultation with a dentist