Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

Wisdom teeth are your last molars to come through, usually between 17 and 25, and they often don’t have enough room to erupt properly. When they are impacted, painful, or hard to keep clean, removing them is usually the safest way to protect your long‑term oral health.

At Innovative Dental, we assess each wisdom tooth individually with an examination and X‑rays before recommending removal.

Why Wisdom Teeth are Removed

You may be advised to have your wisdom teeth taken out if you have:

• Repeated infections or swollen gums behind your last tooth
• Pain or pressure at the back of your jaw
• Tooth decay or gum disease in or around a wisdom tooth
• A tooth that is impacted or lying at an angle
• Damage or risk of damage to the tooth in front
• Cysts or other jaw problems associated with the tooth

Sometimes removal is also recommended before orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery to create space and prevent future issues.

Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removed; healthy, fully erupted, easy‑to‑clean wisdom teeth can often be monitored instead.

How Wisdom Teeth Removal Works

Before your appointment Your dentist will:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history.
• Examine your mouth, jaw opening, and bite.
• Take X-rays (often a full-mouth OPG) to assess tooth position, roots, and nerve locations.

Based on this, we’ll discuss whether the extraction can be done comfortably in the chair under local anaesthetic, with optional sedation, or whether a referral to an oral surgeon or hospital setting is best for you.

During the Procedure

Wisdom tooth removal usually follows these steps:

1. Numbing: Local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the area so you do not feel sharp pain. Sedation or a general anaesthetic may be used for complex or anxious cases.
2. Access: If the tooth is covered by gum or bone, a small cut is made, and a little bone may be removed to expose the tooth.
3. Tooth removal: The tooth is gently loosened and removed in one piece or divided into smaller sections when needed.
4. Stitches: The area may be stitched with dissolvable sutures to help with healing.

Most wisdom tooth removals take from 10–40 minutes, though more complex cases can take longer. You go home the same day in nearly all cases.

Recovery and Healing Timeline

Everyone heals differently, but this is a typical pattern:

• First 24 hours: Bleeding slows and a blood clot forms. Mild to moderate pain and swelling begin.
• Days 2–3: Swelling and stiffness are often at their peak, then start to reduce.
• Days 4–7: Discomfort steadily improves, and most people return to normal daily activities.
• 1–2 weeks:Soft tissue healing progresses, and the area feels much more comfortable.

You may need 1–3 days off work or study after straightforward extractions and up to a week after more complex surgery, or if your job is physically demanding.

Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Following your aftercare instructions closely significantly improves comfort and healing.

Do

• Bite firmly on the gauze pack as directed to control bleeding, then discard it once the oozing slows.
• Rest at home, keep your head elevated, and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours.
• Use ice packs on the cheek (15–20 minutes on, then off) for the first day or two to limit swelling.
• Take the recommended pain relief (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you) exactly as directed.
• Eat soft foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, soups, and mashed vegetables until chewing feels comfortable.
• For 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash if advised, especially after meals.
• Brush your other teeth as normal, being gentle around the healing area.

Don’t

• Do not smoke, as it increases the risk of infection and dry socket.
• Do not use straws, spit forcefully, or rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
• Do not drink alcohol or very hot drinks while the area is still bleeding or very tender.
• Do not eat hard, crunchy, sticky, or seedy foods that could disturb the wound.

When to Call the Dentist

Some discomfort, swelling and minor oozing are normal after wisdom tooth removal. Contact us urgently or seek after‑hours care if you notice:

• Bleeding that does not slow despite applying pressure.
• Pain that is severe, worsening, or not relieved by medication.
• Rapidly increasing swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• A bad taste or smell in the mouth, accompanied by fever or feeling unwell.
• Numbness of your lip, chin, or tongue that does not improve.

Prompt review lets us treat problems early and keep you comfortable.