Wisdom teeth — the third and final set of molars — typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, many experience complications that require extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Humans once needed wisdom teeth to grind down tough plant material in a prehistoric diet. As our diet evolved and our jaws became smaller over generations, wisdom teeth often no longer fit properly in the mouth.
Most adults have four wisdom teeth (one in each corner), though some people have fewer, and a rare few have none at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
The most common issue is impaction — when a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to emerge normally. An impacted wisdom tooth may:
- Grow at an angle toward the adjacent tooth
- Grow at a right angle to the other teeth (lying on its side)
- Remain trapped within the jawbone
This can cause:
- Pain and jaw stiffness
- Infection (pericoronitis) — bacteria can become trapped under the gum flap around a partially erupted tooth
- Damage to adjacent teeth — pressure from the wisdom tooth can damage the neighbouring molar
- Cysts and tumours — rarely, fluid-filled sacs can form around an impacted tooth
- Crowding — wisdom teeth may push other teeth out of alignment
When Is Removal Recommended?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Removal is usually recommended when:
- The tooth is impacted or cannot emerge normally
- There is repeated infection or pain
- Decay or gum disease around the wisdom tooth is difficult to treat
- A cyst or tumour has formed
- Adjacent teeth are being damaged
Fully erupted, correctly aligned wisdom teeth that can be cleaned effectively may not require removal.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Involve?
The procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case:
- 1Simple extraction — for teeth that have fully erupted, performed under local anaesthesia.
- 2Surgical extraction — for impacted teeth, involves an incision in the gum and sometimes removal of a small amount of bone. Performed under local anaesthesia (or sedation if preferred).
At Dr. Chakraborty's Clinic, we use advanced techniques and careful tissue handling to minimise discomfort and promote fast healing.
Recovery Tips
Recovery typically takes 3 to 7 days. To heal quickly:
- Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes immediately after surgery to control bleeding
- Apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods — porridge, soup, mashed foods — for the first few days
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, straws (suction can dislodge the clot), and hard/crunchy foods
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Keep the area clean — gently rinse with warm salt water from day 2 onward
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain after 3 days (possible dry socket), heavy bleeding, or signs of infection (swelling that worsens, fever).
"Early evaluation of wisdom teeth can prevent complications. Don't wait for pain to prompt a visit."
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth discomfort, book a consultation at Dr. Chakraborty's Dental Clinic for an assessment and X-ray.