Removing wisdom teeth, or wisdom tooth extraction, is a surgical procedure to eliminate one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. These extractions are necessary when wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge or grow properly, leading to impaction, pain, infection, or other dental problems. The procedure can be performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and patient preference.
Post-surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, managed with pain relief medications and following post-operative care instructions, including diet modification and oral hygiene practices. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent potential future dental issues, including overcrowding, misalignment, and the risk of developing cysts or infections.
Removing wisdom teeth F&Q
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back corners of the mouth on both the top and bottom dental arches.
Removal is necessary when these teeth are impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge through the gum line due to lack of space, or when they pose a risk for infections, cause pain, crowd other teeth, or lead to cysts and tumors.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. An oral surgeon or dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, removes any bone blocking access to the tooth root, extracts the tooth, and then cleans the site before stitching it closed.
After the extraction, you may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising around the jaw. Pain management includes prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers, and you may need to eat soft foods and follow specific oral hygiene instructions during recovery.
Like any surgery, risks include infection, damage to nearby teeth, prolonged bleeding, dry socket, and rare nerve damage. However, these risks are generally low, and preventive measures are taken to avoid complications.
Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Swelling and discomfort usually improve within the first few days, and complete healing of the gums may take a few weeks to several months.
