Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually start to come in during the late teens or early adulthood. Some grow in normally and only need to be checked during regular dental visits. Others become impacted, which means they stay trapped under the gums or in the jawbone or only come through partway. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth. In those situations, a dentist may recommend removal.
This guide explains why removal may be needed, how wisdom tooth extraction works, and what to expect during recovery. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide instructions based on your X-rays, medical history, and treatment plan.
When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Needed?
Wisdom teeth are at the very back of the mouth. They can become impacted when there isn’t enough room for them to come in fully or when their position prevents them from coming in normally. An impacted wisdom tooth may stay trapped under the gum tissue or in the jawbone, grow at an angle, or only come through partway.
A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal if they cause problems such as:
- Pain, swelling, or repeated infection around the gum tissue
- Tooth decay or a cavity in the wisdom tooth or a nearby tooth
- Gum disease in an area that’s difficult to clean
- Damage or pressure against nearby teeth
- A cyst or another change in the tissue around the tooth
- Crowding or other problems with how the teeth are positioned
Your dentist will do an exam and take X-rays to see how the teeth are developing. Healthy wisdom teeth that grow in properly and can be cleaned may not need to be removed.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
The procedure depends on the position of the tooth. A wisdom tooth that has fully emerged may be removed with a simple extraction. An impacted tooth may require a surgical extraction, which involves making a small opening in the gum tissue and sometimes removing a small amount of bone to reach the tooth.
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and sedation options. Local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the area. Sedation or general anesthesia may also be considered depending on the procedure and your health.
After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and may be closed with stitches. A blood clot then forms in the extraction site. Protecting that clot helps the area heal and reduces the risk of dry socket.
How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Removal and Recovery Take?
The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are being removed, whether they’re impacted, and how complex the extraction is. Your dentist or oral surgeon can give you a better estimate after reviewing your X-rays.
Mild bleeding, soreness, swelling, and jaw stiffness are common during the first day or two. Swelling should begin to improve after a few days, but the extraction sites can take several weeks to heal completely. Recovery time varies from person to person. Be sure to follow your post-operative instructions as the extraction sites heal.
What Causes Dry Socket?
Dry socket can develop when the blood clot in the extraction site comes loose, dissolves too early, or doesn’t form properly. This exposes the bone and nerves underneath and can cause intense pain a few days after the extraction.
A few things can increase the risk:
- Smoking or vaping
- Drinking through a straw
- Vigorous rinsing or spitting
- Touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
- Not following the care instructions provided after surgery
Call your dentist or oral surgeon if the pain gets significantly worse after initially improving, spreads toward your ear or jaw, or you notice a bad taste or odor. Dry socket needs professional treatment.
Will I Need Antibiotics After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Not everyone needs antibiotics after a wisdom tooth extraction. They may be prescribed if there’s an active infection, a higher risk of infection, or another concern related to the procedure or your medical history.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will decide whether antibiotics are appropriate for you. If they’re prescribed, take them exactly as directed and contact the office if you have questions or side effects. Preventive antibiotics may reduce the risk of infection and dry socket after impacted wisdom teeth are removed, but they aren’t routinely needed for every patient.
How Long Do Stitches Stay in After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some stitches dissolve on their own as the extraction site heals. Others need to be removed during a follow-up appointment. Your post-operative instructions should tell you which type you have and whether you need to return for removal.
Don’t pull on a stitch or try to remove it yourself. A stitch may loosen as swelling goes down, but call the office if the area starts bleeding again, opens noticeably, or doesn’t seem to be healing properly.
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Choose soft foods that require little chewing during the first few days. Good options include:
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Lukewarm soup
- Smoothies eaten with a spoon instead of a straw
Avoid very hot, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or seedy foods that could irritate the extraction site or get stuck in the socket. Gradually return to your usual diet as chewing becomes comfortable and your dentist or oral surgeon says it’s okay.
Post-Operative Care After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Following your post-operative care instructions is one of the most important parts of recovery. General recommendations may include:
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your jaw for short intervals during the first day or two
- Take pain medication exactly as directed
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least the first 24 to 48 hours
- Keep your head slightly elevated when lying down or sleeping
- Begin gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours if instructed
- Brush carefully without disturbing the extraction site
Trismus, or temporary jaw stiffness, can happen after oral surgery. Don’t force your mouth open. Ask your dentist or oral surgeon when it’s appropriate to begin gentle jaw movement or stretching. Nonopioid medications such as ibuprofen are generally preferred for acute dental pain when they’re safe for you, but your care team should recommend the right option.
When to Call Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Contact the office if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t slow down with firm pressure
- Fever or pus near the extraction site
- Pain or swelling that gets worse after a few days
- Signs of dry socket
- Numbness that lasts longer than your dentist or oral surgeon told you to expect
Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
Most people recover with few or no complications, but it’s better to call if something feels wrong rather than to wait and hope it improves.
Ideal Dental provides oral surgery services, including simple and complex tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal. Service availability may vary, so find an Ideal Dental location near you to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
When is wisdom teeth removal needed?
A dentist may recommend removal if impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, swelling, repeated infection, tooth decay, gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, a cyst, or crowding. Healthy wisdom teeth that grow in properly and can be cleaned may not need to be removed.
How does wisdom tooth extraction work?
A fully emerged tooth may be removed with a simple extraction, while an impacted tooth may require a surgical extraction involving a small opening in the gum tissue and sometimes removing a small amount of bone. Local anesthesia is commonly used, and sedation or general anesthesia may also be considered depending on the procedure.
How long do wisdom teeth removal and recovery take?
The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are removed, whether they're impacted, and how complex the extraction is. Mild bleeding, soreness, swelling, and jaw stiffness are common during the first day or two, and extraction sites can take several weeks to heal completely.
What causes dry socket?
Dry socket can develop when the blood clot in the extraction site comes loose, dissolves too early, or doesn't form properly, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. Risk factors include smoking or vaping, drinking through a straw, vigorous rinsing or spitting, and touching the extraction site.
Will I need antibiotics after wisdom teeth removal?
Not everyone needs antibiotics after a wisdom tooth extraction. They may be prescribed if there's an active infection, a higher risk of infection, or another concern related to the procedure or your medical history, but they aren't routinely needed for every patient.
How long do stitches stay in after wisdom teeth removal?
Some stitches dissolve on their own as the extraction site heals, while others need to be removed during a follow-up appointment. Don't pull on a stitch or try to remove it yourself, and call the office if the area starts bleeding again or doesn't seem to be healing properly.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Choose soft foods that require little chewing, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and lukewarm soup. Avoid very hot, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or seedy foods that could irritate the extraction site or get stuck in the socket.
What is post-operative care like after wisdom teeth removal?
General recommendations include applying ice packs during the first day or two, taking pain medication as directed, resting for at least 24 to 48 hours, keeping your head elevated, and beginning gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours if instructed. Nonopioid medications like ibuprofen are generally preferred for acute dental pain when safe.
When should you call your dentist or oral surgeon after wisdom teeth removal?
Contact the office for heavy bleeding that doesn't slow with firm pressure, fever or pus near the extraction site, worsening pain or swelling after a few days, signs of dry socket, or numbness lasting longer than expected. Seek emergency care right away for trouble swallowing or breathing.