What is a Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 — but not everyone gets them. Some people have all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer or none at all.

Because they come in last, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to grow properly. This can lead to problems like impaction (when they get stuck under the gums), crowding, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not all wisdom teeth require removal — but many do. Your dentist may recommend removing one or more wisdom teeth if they are:

✅ Impacted: They’re trapped beneath the gums or in the jawbone and can’t erupt normally. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, or even cysts.

✅ Partially Erupted: Teeth that only come in partway can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and gum disease.

✅ Crowding or Damaging Other Teeth: If there isn’t enough space, wisdom teeth can push on your other teeth, causing misalignment or damage.

✅ Causing Pain or Infection: If wisdom teeth are decayed, infected, or cause repeated discomfort, extraction is usually the best solution.

✅ A Risk for Future Problems: Even if they aren’t causing issues now, some dentists recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth early to prevent future complications when the roots and bone are not fully formed.

Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Common signs that you may have an issue with your wisdom teeth include:

• Swelling, redness, or pain in the back of your mouth

• Swollen gums or jaw pain

• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Headaches or ear pain caused by jaw pressure

If you notice any of these symptoms, book a dental exam to see if your wisdom teeth are the cause.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Examination & X-Rays

Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and decide if removal is needed.

2. Local Anesthesia or Sedation

You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. For impacted teeth or more complex cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended to help you relax or sleep during the procedure.

3. Tooth Extraction

• If the tooth is impacted, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum and may remove a bit of bone to access the tooth.

• The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to make removal easier.

• Once the tooth is removed, the area will be cleaned and stitched if needed.

4. Recovery

The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being removed and their position.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Recovery is usually quick if you follow your dentist’s instructions. Here’s what you can expect:

✅ Swelling & Discomfort: Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal for a few days. Your dentist will prescribe pain relief if needed.

✅ Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal in the first few hours. Biting down on gauze helps.

✅ Eating & Drinking: Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes for a few days. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.

✅ Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean but avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first 24 hours. Rinse gently with salt water to reduce infection risk.

✅ Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for a few days to help healing.

Most patients recover within 3–7 days, but full healing of the gums and bone can take a few weeks.

Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Complications are rare, but they can include:

• Dry socket (when the blood clot at the removal site comes out too early, causing pain)

• Infection

• Nerve injury (temporary tingling or numbness in the tongue, lips, or chin)

Choosing an experienced dentist like Dr. Brajbala Kumari at Luxe Dental Patna helps ensure your procedure is safe and comfortable.

Benefits of Removing Problematic Wisdom Teeth

✔️ Prevents crowding and misalignment of other teeth
✔️ Reduces the risk of infections, cysts, or gum disease
✔️ Eases pain or swelling caused by impacted teeth
✔️ Saves money and discomfort by avoiding future dental complications

Wisdom Tooth Removal at Luxe Dental Patna

At Luxe Dental Patna, we use modern techniques and gentle care to make your wisdom tooth extraction as painless and stress-free as possible. We provide clear guidance before, during, and after your procedure, so you know exactly what to expect.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or discomfort at the back of your mouth, book a consultation with us. We’ll help you decide whether wisdom tooth removal is the right choice for you — and get you back to smiling comfortably again!