Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure to extract one or more third molars (wisdom teeth) located at the back of the mouth. These teeth often cause pain, infection, or alignment issues when they don’t have enough space to grow properly.

Why Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

🔹 Impacted Teeth – Stuck in the gums or jawbone, causing pain and swelling.
🔹 Crowding – Not enough space, pushing other teeth out of alignment.
🔹 Tooth Decay & Cavities – Difficult to clean, leading to infections.
🔹 Gum Infections (Pericoronitis) – Inflamed gum tissue around the wisdom tooth.
🔹 Cysts or Jaw Damage – Fluid-filled sacs around the tooth can damage the jawbone.

Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

✔️ Jaw Pain or Swelling – Especially at the back of the mouth.
✔️ Difficulty Opening Mouth – Stiffness or soreness.
✔️ Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums – Around the wisdom teeth.
✔️ Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste – Due to trapped food and bacteria.
✔️ Headaches or Ear Pain – Caused by pressure from impacted teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

🔹 Step 1: Consultation & X-Ray – Dentist checks the position of the wisdom teeth.
🔹 Step 2: Local or General Anesthesia – Numbs the area or puts you to sleep (for complex cases).
🔹 Step 3: Tooth Extraction
✔️ Simple Extraction – If the tooth is fully erupted, it’s pulled out easily.
✔️ Surgical Extraction – If the tooth is impacted, the dentist makes an incision and removes it in pieces.
🔹 Step 4: Stitches & Healing – Stitches may be needed, followed by a recovery period of 7–10 days.

⏳ Duration: 30–60 minutes (per tooth).

Aftercare & Recovery Tips

✅ Bite on Gauze – Helps stop bleeding.
✅ Apply Ice Packs – Reduces swelling in the first 24 hours.
✅ Eat Soft Foods – Soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies.
✅ Avoid Straws & Spitting – Prevents dry socket, a painful condition.
✅ Keep Mouth Clean – Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours.
✅ Take Medications as Prescribed – Painkillers & antibiotics if needed.

🚫 Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, & Hard Foods for at least a week.

Possible Complications (Rare but Important to Know)

⚠️ Dry Socket – When the blood clot dislodges, causing severe pain.
⚠️ Infection – Symptoms include swelling, fever, and pus discharge.
⚠️ Nerve Damage – Rare, but can cause numbness in the tongue or lips.

When to Call the Dentist?

📌 Severe pain that doesn’t improve after 3–4 days.
📌 Excessive bleeding after 24 hours.
📌 Swelling or pus discharge (signs of infection).
📌 Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away.