Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in our mouths. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people may have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others experience discomfort or pain when these teeth begin to emerge.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, nearly 85% of people will need their wisdom teeth removed at some point. It is recommended to extract wisdom teeth during the teenage years or early adulthood before the roots are fully formed.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the back of your mouth. They are the last adult teeth to come in and typically erupt during your late teenage years or early adulthood.

These teeth often become impacted, meaning they grow at an angle or get stuck behind your other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd or damage your nearby teeth, and cause swelling, bad breath, and a host of other problems.

• Infection: When wisdom teeth become impacted or partially erupt, they trap bacteria around the tooth. The bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Cysts: If wisdom teeth are left, fluid-filled sacs can form around them. Over time, these sacs can damage the adjacent teeth’ roots and jaw bone.
• Tooth decay: It’s difficult to clean wisdom teeth that are partially erupted. Because of this, they are more likely to develop cavities and harm nearby healthy teeth.

Why Remove Them During Teen Years?

The teen years are the best time to remove wisdom teeth because the roots are not fully embedded in your jawbone. Removal and recovery are easier when they are removed at this time.  Teenagers typically heal faster than adults, so they experience less discomfort and swelling following removal. Teens usually have their wisdom teeth removed between 16 and 19 years old.

Consultation

At your initial consultation, your dentist will take X-rays to check the position of your teeth and determine if they need to be removed. They will also discuss any risks or complications associated with the surgery and your sedation options. 

Sedation Methods

Wisdom tooth removal is typically performed using local anesthesia, a product that numbs the area around your wisdom teeth. Other types of anesthesia are available for patients who experience anxiety or fear during dental procedures.

• Local anesthetic: Local anesthetic, or freezing, is administered with a very small needle into the gum tissue. You will be awake during the tooth removal procedure but will not feel any pain. 
• Oral sedation: Oral sedation is taken in pill form before your procedure. It will make you drowsy, but you will still be awake during the procedure.
• IV sedation: IV sedation is administered through a vein in your arm. The medication will make you feel sleepy and relaxed during the procedure. IV sedation is also known as “sleep dentistry’ because it puts you in a sleep-like state. 
• General anesthesia: With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious during the procedure. This type of sedation is usually only used for very complex cases or patients with a high level of anxiety.

The Procedure

Wisdom tooth removal is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you will go home the same day. The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes. However, the duration will depend on how many teeth are removed and if it is a complex surgery. 

After the Surgery

Most people feel better within a few days after surgery. You will be given specific post-operative instructions to follow. These instructions will include what to eat and drink, when to take pain medication, and how to deal with bleeding and swelling. Ensure a speedy recovery by following these instructions.

Bleeding

You may experience some bleeding immediately after tooth removal. A moderate amount of bleeding is normal and usually stops within 24 hours. To help control the bleeding, bite on a clean, moist gauze for 30-45 minutes. Do this several times a day in the first 24 hours and use a new piece of gauze each time.  

If bleeding continues, you can also bite down on a tea bag for 5-10 minutes. The tea has tannins that help to constrict blood vessels and stop bleeding. If bleeding continues to be an issue, contact your dentist or oral surgeon.

Swelling

Swelling is also common after wisdom tooth removal. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your face for 24-48 hours after surgery. After that, you can switch to a warm compress for 20 minutes at a time to help with discomfort. (Note: Always wrap ice packs in a towel before applying them to your face; never apply them directly to the skin without a barrier.)

Pain Management

You will likely experience some pain and discomfort during the healing process. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease the pain. Your dentist may also prescribe you stronger pain medication if needed. 

You will likely feel the most pain the first few days after surgery. Take your pain medication as directed and never exceed the recommended dosage. If you’re experiencing severe pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Nausea

Some people may experience nausea after wisdom tooth removal due to the anesthesia. If this is the case, drink clear fluids and eat light foods. You should also avoid drinking any fluids that are hot, caffeinated, or carbonated.

Diet

After wisdom tooth removal, stick to a soft food diet. Avoid any hard, crunchy, sticky or spicy foods that could irritate your surgical site. Some good soft food options include:

• Smoothies
• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Apple sauce
• Soup
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Ice Cream
• Jell-O

You should also avoid drinking hot, caffeinated, or carbonated beverages as they can irritate your surgical site. Stick to cool, clear fluids like water and juice for the first few days after surgery. 

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential after wisdom tooth removal. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Be careful around the surgical site and avoid brushing too vigorously. If you have stitches, be sure to brush gently around them. 

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. To make salt water, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.

Risks

While wisdom tooth removal is a very common procedure, there are always risks associated with any surgery. Some of the risks may include the following:

• Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding. Monitor the gauze placed over the surgical site and replace it as needed. If you see continuous bleeding, contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
• Infection: Even with the use of antibiotics, there is always a slight risk of infection. Be sure to follow all postoperative instructions to help reduce a painful infection.
• Dry socket: Dry socket is a condition that can occur when the blood clot that forms in the wisdom tooth socket is dislodged. It can happen if you smoke, drink through a straw, spit a lot or brush your teeth too vigorously. Dry socket is painful and can prolong your healing time.

Nerve damage: There is a very small risk of damage to the nerves near the wisdom teeth. In most cases, this damage is temporary and will resolve on its own. However, in very rare cases, the damage may be permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions