Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems, especially when there isn’t enough room for them to grow properly. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling or other dental issues, removing a wisdom tooth might be the best way to prevent complications and protect your long-term oral health.
At Smile Dental, our focus is on making wisdom tooth extractions safe, comfortable and as stress-free as possible. Here’s how we do it.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these teeth don’t have enough room to grow in properly, which can lead to impaction, crowding or other dental issues.
You may need a wisdom tooth extraction if your teeth are:
- Impacted — trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle
- Causing pain or discomfort
- Leading to infection or swelling in the gums
- Causing crowding or shifting of other teeth
- Contributing to decay in adjacent teeth
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing pain, your dentist may recommend removal to prevent future problems.
How would the extraction take place?
Wisdom tooth removal is usually done under local anaesthetic, ensuring the area is numb and the procedure is comfortable. For more complex cases or patient comfort, sedation or referral to an oral surgeon may be recommended.
The extraction process may involve:
- Making a small incision in the gum if the tooth is impacted
- Removing the tooth carefully
- Cleaning the area and, if needed, placing stitches to aid healing
Most patients find the procedure straightforward and tolerable, with minimal discomfort during treatment.
After extraction, it’s normal to experience some swelling, tenderness, or mild bruising. These symptoms usually settle within a few days. Following proper aftercare helps ensure smooth healing:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the extraction site
- Avoid smoking or using straws, which can interfere with healing
- Maintain oral hygiene carefully, avoiding the extraction area initially
Your dentist will provide detailed instructions and follow-up care to support a quick recovery.
Why would removing my wisdom tooth help?
Removing wisdom teeth can provide significant relief from pain and discomfort, especially when teeth are impacted or growing at awkward angles. Many people experience pressure, soreness, or headaches from misaligned wisdom teeth – extraction helps to quickly alleviate these issues.
Extraction also helps prevent infections and gum disease in areas that are difficult to clean. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them prone to plaque buildup and inflammation. Removing them reduces the risk of painful infections and helps maintain healthier gums overall.
In addition, taking out wisdom teeth can protect your surrounding teeth. When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to grow, they can push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding, misalignment, or even decay.
Ultimately, removing wisdom teeth proactively can help you avoid more serious dental complications in the future. You’ll want to address potential issues early on, in order to keep your mouth healthier in the long term and reduce the likelihood of complex treatments later on.