Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth — the third molars at the back of the mouth — are vestigial teeth that the modern human jaw often lacks space to accommodate. When they cannot fully emerge or grow at an angle, they become impacted and can cause pain, infection, crowding, and damage to adjacent teeth.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. Some people have sufficient space and the teeth erupt normally. Removal is recommended when:

• The wisdom tooth is impacted (partially or fully trapped in the jawbone or gum)
• The tooth is growing at an angle and pressing against the adjacent molar
• There is repeated gum infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
• A cyst forms around an unerupted wisdom tooth
• The tooth cannot be properly cleaned and is prone to decay

The Removal Procedure

Simple extractions (fully erupted teeth) can be performed by a general dentist under local anesthesia. Impacted wisdom teeth require a surgical extraction, typically performed by an oral surgeon. The gum is opened, bone may be removed, and the tooth is often sectioned into pieces before removal.

Sedation options range from local anesthesia only to IV sedation (being put to sleep). Most oral surgeon offices offer IV sedation for wisdom tooth removal — ask about your options when booking.

Recovery

• Swelling and discomfort for three to five days after surgery
• Soft foods only for the first week
• Avoid smoking, straws, and spitting (to prevent dry socket)
• Most people return to normal activities within three to five days
• Stitches dissolve on their own within one to two weeks

Best Age for Removal

Wisdom teeth are easier to remove in the late teens and early twenties when roots are not fully formed. The jawbone is less dense in younger patients, which reduces surgical difficulty and speeds recovery. If removal is recommended, sooner is generally better.