Wisdom teeth are also called third molars and they generally come in between 17 and 25 years of age. However, most people’s jaws do not have enough space for these teeth to come out properly and fully. For that reason, wisdom teeth often grow in strange positions, or their growth is stopped and they remain temporarily covered by the gums, which is called an impacted tooth.
This may give rise to issues like infection, swelling, pain, and foul breath. At times, wisdom teeth can even harm the neighboring healthy teeth. In order to avert these troubles from getting worse in the future, dentists generally advise the removal of wisdom teeth to maintain the health of the mouth and to prevent recurring pain or infection.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Removal of a wisdom tooth is a routine dental operation that a general dentist or oral surgeon can perform. To find out the exact location of the tooth, a dental X, ray is taken. Then the dentist will apply a local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If the tooth is in the correct position, it is extracted without any difficulty; however, if it is impacted, it is taken out in pieces. The use of stitches is optional. Usually, the procedure lasts 20 to 45 minutes.
Procedure Steps:
- X-ray to examine tooth position
- Local anesthesia to numb the area
- Normal removal for straight teeth
- Careful removal in pieces for impacted teeth
Stitches if required
Does It Cause Pain?
Removal of wisdom teeth is generally done under anesthesia, so the operation might be painless at least during the procedure. You might feel some pressure or movement, but not the pain. Once the anesthesia effect goes away, slight pain or discomfort is quite normal. Painkillers and antibiotics assist, and the pain typically subsides within 23 days.
Key Points:
- No pain during surgery
- Mild discomfort afterward
- Pain managed with medication
- Usually improves in 2–3 days
Recovery and Care after Wisdom Tooth Removal
After wisdom tooth removal, swelling is normal for the first 24 hours ice packs help. Eat soft, cold foods and take medicines as prescribed. Keep your mouth clean and avoid smoking, tobacco, straws, and forceful gargling. Gums usually heal in 7 to 10 days.
Key Points:
- Swelling normal for 24 hours; use ice packs
- Eat soft, cold foods
- Take prescribed medicines
- Maintain oral hygiene
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, straws, and strong gargling
- Healing takes 7–10 days
Possible Risks or Side Effects
Wisdom tooth removal is generally a safe treatment, but like any surgery, it carries some rare risks. Sometimes a dry socket can occur, where the blood clot at the extraction site is lost, causing increased pain. In some cases, infection or excessive bleeding may happen, though these are not very common. Very rarely, temporary numbness can occur, which usually improves over time. Following the dentist’s instructions carefully can greatly reduce the chances of these risks.
Conclusion
Overall, wisdom tooth removal is a preventive and beneficial treatment that helps avoid future dental problems. If a wisdom tooth is causing pain, swelling, or infection, removing it is usually the best option. Getting treatment at the right time provides relief from pain and helps maintain overall oral health.