Wisdom teeth removal: Reasons, procedure, recovery

Partial impact: Part of the tooth is visible, but it hasn't fully emerged. The rest remains beneath the gum line, often creating a flap that traps food and bacteria.

Full impact: The tooth stays embedded in the bone or soft tissue and does not breaks through the gum.

Persistent or throbbing jaw pain

Gum swelling that can make eating or talking uncomfortable

Infections caused by bacteria gathering in hard-to-clean spaces

Tender gums

A mild ache that enhances when chewing

Swelling in the jaw or cheek area

When ignored, this discomfort can progress into headaches, earaches, or even jaw stiffness.

Pericoronitis: A painful gum infection

Wisdom tooth and the surrounding molar may develop tooth decay

A continuous feeling of bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth

Recurring pain in the back of your mouth

Gum redness or swelling near the wisdom teeth

Teeth shifting after braces or orthodontic work

Frequent infections around partially erupted teeth

Perform a dental exam to assess the health and position of the wisdom teeth.

Take X-rays or 3D scans to determine the exact angle and depth of the teeth, about nerves and sinuses.

Anesthesia options:

Local anesthesia numbs only the surgical area; you'll stay awake but won't feel pain.

Sedation anesthesia is given via IV or orally; you'll be relaxed and may remember little of the procedure.

General anesthesia puts you completely to sleep and is used for more complex cases or multiple extractions.

An incision is made in the gum (for impacted teeth).

If needed, small amounts of bone covering the tooth are removed.

The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.

The pieces or the entire tooth are removed.

The area is cleaned thoroughly to remove debris or infection.

Dissolvable stitches are placed if necessary.

Monitor them closely with regular checkups and X-rays.

Manage discomfort with pain relievers, saltwater rinses, or medicated gels.

Use minor orthodontics like braces or aligners to address slight crowding without extraction.

Teeth are impacted and causing pain or infection

Cysts or tumors are present

Decay or damage to neighboring teeth is detected

Significant bite misalignment is occurring

Change gauze as directed, typically every 30-45 minutes until bleeding subsides.

Wait 24 hours before gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

Take prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as instructed.

Watch for signs of infection: persistent pain, swelling, fever, or pus.

Try using ice packs with an interval of at least 15-20 minutes.

Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.

Eat soft foods initially and avoid hard and sticky foods to avoid any pain or discomfort.

Physical or any other high-intense activity

Smoking or vaping

Using straws, which can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket

24-48 hours: Peak swelling, mild bleeding, and soreness

3-5 days: Noticeable reduction in swelling and discomfort

1-2 weeks: Soft tissue heals, and most normal activities can resume

Simple extraction: $120-$800 per tooth

Surgical or impacted extraction: $281-$1,620 per tooth

Many plans cover 50%-80% if the removal is deemed medically necessary.

Before: If undergoing sedation or general anesthesia, fasting for 6-8 hours is usually required.

After: Initially, for the first three to five days, try soft food items. Stick to cool, soft foods; avoid spicy, hot, or crunchy items. For instance, yogurt, smoothies, pudding, soups, macaroni, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs can be some of the ideal options after wisdom teeth removal.

Dry socket: A painful condition occurring when the blood clot is dislodged. Affects 2%-5% of extractions, and up to 30% of impacted lower teeth.

Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, pus, or bad taste.

Nerve or sinus issues: Rare, but possible in complex extractions.

Use the extra space to straighten teeth more effectively

Fix the shifting caused by the wisdom teeth eruption

Prevent crowding from recurring in the future