When should wisdom teeth come out? Symptoms, procedure and recovery
Wisdom teeth that have come through properly, can be cleaned and cause no problems don't need to be removed. Extraction is recommended for repeated gum infections, decay, damage to the neighbouring tooth or cysts.
Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?
Wisdom teeth are the last to come through, usually between 17 and 25. When there isn't enough room in the jaw, they may stay partly or fully in the bone or gum (impacted) or tilt against the neighbouring tooth.
The flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth traps food and is hard to clean, leading to repeated inflammation (pericoronitis).
Symptoms that may mean extraction
- Repeated pain, swelling and gum inflammation at the back of the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad taste or bad breath
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it
- A cyst or root damage to the neighbouring tooth on X-ray
How are wisdom teeth removed?
A panoramic X-ray, and a CT scan if needed, shows the tooth's position and its proximity to the lower jaw nerve. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic.
| Situation | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Fully erupted | Similar to a normal extraction, usually quick |
| Partly impacted | The gum is opened, the tooth sectioned if needed and removed, then stitched |
| Fully impacted (in bone) | Surgical extraction; a small window is made in the bone |
Aftercare
- Bite on the gauze for 30–45 minutes.
- Apply cold to the cheek on and off on the first day.
- For the first 24 hours avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting and straws.
- Don't smoke; it can dislodge the clot and cause a painful "dry socket".
- Eat soft, lukewarm food and avoid hot drinks on the first day.
- Brush from the next day, being gentle around the extraction site.
This advice is similar to our implant aftercare guide, where you'll find more detail.
How long does recovery take?
Swelling usually peaks on day 2–3 and reduces noticeably within a week. Stitches are removed after 7–10 days or dissolve. The bone takes a few months to fill in completely, but most people are back to normal within a few days.
Wisdom tooth removal in Beylikdüzü
At Dent32 we plan wisdom tooth extraction with X-rays and, when needed, a CT scan. For a painful wisdom tooth, see our emergency toothache guide, or book an appointment at our clinic, open seven days a week.
Frequently asked questions
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
It's done under local anaesthetic, so no pain is expected during the procedure; you may feel pressure. Pain and swelling for a few days afterwards are controlled with painkillers.
Can upper and lower wisdom teeth be removed together?
Yes, upper and lower wisdom teeth on the same side can often be removed in one visit. Removing all four is planned case by case.
Do wisdom teeth cause crowding?
Wisdom teeth aren't the only cause of front-tooth crowding. Their status is assessed separately when orthodontic treatment is planned.
How soon can I go back to work?
After a simple extraction, usually the next day; after surgical extraction, usually 1–3 days.
