Wisdom Tooth Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don't have enough space to erupt properly, they become impacted. This can cause:

• • Mesial impaction: Tooth angled towards the front of the mouth
• • Distal impaction: Tooth angled towards the back of the mouth
• • Vertical impaction: Tooth is upright but trapped below the gum
• • Horizontal impaction: Tooth lies sideways, often pushing against other teeth

Partially Erupted Teeth

When wisdom teeth only partially break through the gum, they create a flap of gum tissue that can trap food and bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation (pericoronitis).

Assessment and Planning

Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the best approach for removal. This helps identify any potential complications.

Anaesthesia Options

• • Local anaesthetic: Numbs the area around the tooth
• • Sedation: Helps you relax during the procedure
• • General anaesthetic: For complex cases or anxious patients

Simple vs Surgical Extraction

Common Side Effects

• • Swelling: Usually peaks at 48 hours, then gradually reduces
• • Bruising: May appear on the face and neck
• • Stiffness: Difficulty opening the mouth for a few days
• • Bleeding: Minor bleeding for the first 24 hours

Why Lower Wisdom Teeth Cause More Problems

Lower wisdom teeth are more likely to cause issues because:

• • The lower jaw is smaller and has less space for wisdom teeth to erupt
• • They're more likely to become impacted or grow at awkward angles
• • They're closer to important nerves, making removal more complex
• • The bone is denser, making extraction more challenging

Nerve Considerations (IAN)

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. Lower wisdom teeth are close to this nerve, which means:

• • There's a small risk of temporary numbness in the lip or chin
• • In rare cases, this numbness can be permanent
• • Your dentist will assess this risk before treatment
• • Modern techniques and imaging help minimise this risk

Other Potential Risks

• • Dry socket: Loss of blood clot causing severe pain
• • Infection: Rare but possible, usually treatable with antibiotics
• • Damage to nearby teeth: Very rare with experienced practitioners
• • Jaw fracture: Extremely rare, mainly in older patients with weak bones

Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)

• • Bite on gauze for 10-20 minutes to control bleeding
• • Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws
• • Take prescribed pain medication as directed
• • Eat soft foods and avoid hot drinks

Ongoing Care (Days 2-7)

• • Gentle salt water rinses after 24 hours
• • Continue with soft foods and good hydration
• • Avoid smoking and vigorous exercise
• • Brush teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site

Preventing Dry Socket

Dry socket is the most common complication. To prevent it:

• • Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• • Avoid drinking through straws
• • Don't rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours
• • Follow all aftercare instructions carefully

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. You may feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterwards is normal and usually manageable with standard pain relief.

How long is recovery?

Most people feel much better within 3–5 days. Swelling can peak at 48 hours and then settles. Full healing takes 1-2 weeks, but you can usually return to normal activities within a few days.

What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?

Common risks include temporary numbness, dry socket, and infection. Lower wisdom teeth have a small risk of affecting the nerve that supplies feeling to the lip and chin. Your dentist will discuss all risks before treatment.

Why do lower wisdom teeth cause more problems?

Lower wisdom teeth are more likely to become impacted due to the jaw shape and have less space to erupt. They're also closer to important nerves, making removal more complex.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is lost, exposing the bone. It causes severe pain and requires treatment. Following aftercare instructions helps prevent it.

Will I need stitches?

Stitches may be needed for surgical extractions or to help with healing. They usually dissolve on their own within 1-2 weeks and don't need to be removed.