5 Signs You Need Wisdom Molar Extraction

Wisdom molar extraction is a common dental procedure designed to prevent potential complications caused by impacted or overcrowded wisdom teeth. While some wisdom teeth emerge without issues, many can lead to pain, infections, or misalignment if left untreated. Understanding when and why extraction is necessary can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wisdom teeth extraction, from the signs that indicate it’s time for removal to post-procedure care and recovery tips.

What are wisdom molars?

Wisdom molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the third set of molars that grow at the farthest corners of your upper and lower jaws. These are the last permanent adult teeth to emerge, usually appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth; about half of all people have at least one, while others may not develop any at all. Both scenarios are completely normal.

When does it come?

Unlike the rest of your permanent teeth, wisdom teeth appear much later. They usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. This late development is why they are called “wisdom teeth”. However, not everyone will experience the same timeline. Some people’s wisdom teeth may emerge fully, remain partially erupted, or stay impacted (trapped under the gums).

Symptoms of an emerging wisdom tooth

When wisdom teeth begin to surface, they may cause noticeable symptoms, including:

Jaw and facial pain or tenderness: Discomfort around the back of the mouth as the tooth pushes through the gums.
Gum redness or swelling: Inflammation at the back corners of the mouth where the tooth is erupting.
White spots behind your last molars: These may be the first visible signs of the tooth breaking through the gum line.

When to Extract Wisdom Teeth?

Common reason for surgical molar extraction include:

Wisdom Teeth Crowding: If there isn’t enough space in your mouth, wisdom teeth may grow at the wrong angle and push against your other teeth, causing crowding or shifting of aligned teeth.
Cavities and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, making them prone to plaque buildup. This can lead to cavities and gum disease, which may spread to surrounding teeth.
Pain: Persistent discomfort in the back of your mouth may indicate wisdom teeth issues, especially if it worsens over time.
Damage to Nearby Teeth or Jawbone: Wisdom teeth pressing against other molars can cause misalignment, enamel erosion, or jawbone damage.
Cyst Formation: A fluid-filled sac (cyst) may develop around an impacted wisdom tooth, potentially leading to nerve or bone damage.

Should You Extract Healthy Wisdom Teeth?

Dental specialists have differing opinions on whether asymptomatic wisdom teeth—those that are not causing any immediate problems—should be removed. Some dentists recommend early molar teeth removal, especially in the late teens or early 20s, while others suggest keeping them unless they cause issues.

Why Do Some Dentists Suggest Removing Healthy Wisdom Teeth?

Potential Future Problems: Even if wisdom teeth are not currently causing pain or discomfort, they may develop issues later, such as infection, decay, or impaction.
Hidden Disease Risk: Some wisdom teeth that appear healthy may still carry underlying disease that could cause complications over time.
Limited Space and Cleaning Challenges: If there is not enough room for the teeth to emerge properly, they may become difficult to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Lower Risk in Younger Adults: Complications from wisdom tooth removal are lower in younger adults, making early extraction safer and easier to recover from.
Surgical Risks Increase with Age: Older adults tend to have a harder time with surgery and a longer recovery period, and they face a higher risk of complications after extraction.

Preparation Phase for Extraction

If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, your dentist may perform the procedure in the office. However, if your teeth are deeply impacted or the extraction is complex, they may refer you to an oral surgeon. The preparation phase is essential to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.

Before teeth wisdom removal, you will have an appointment to discuss the extraction process. During this visit, make sure to:

Discuss Your Medical History: Inform your dentist or surgeon about any health conditions you have.
List Your Medications: Provide a list of any medications, supplements, or allergies that might affect the procedure.
Ask About Anesthesia Options: You may receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Most wisdom tooth extractions involve sedation, where you feel sleepy but breathe on your own.
Plan for Recovery: Arrange time off from work or school, and set up child care, pet care, or transportation if needed.

Some questions you may need to ask the surgeon about include:

- How many wisdom teeth need to be removed?
- How long will the procedure take?
- Is there a risk of nerve damage?
- How long will the healing process take?
- How much does molar removal cost?

Wisdom Molar Extraction: Step-by-Step Procedure

The procedure of wise teeth removal takes around 45 minutes or less, and it goes as:

Numbing the Area: The dentist or oral surgeon applies anesthesia based on the chosen type.
Making an Incision: A small cut is made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
Removing Bone (if needed): Any bone blocking access to the tooth root is removed.
Sectioning the Tooth: If necessary, the tooth is divided into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
Extracting the Tooth: The dentist removes the tooth carefully.
Cleaning the Site: The area is cleared of any debris from the tooth or bone.
Stitching the Wound (if needed): Stitches may be placed to help healing.
Placing Gauze: A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.

Note: there are 3 types of anesthesia

Local Anesthesia: Numbs the area with an injection while you stay awake.
Sedation Anesthesia: Given through an IV to make you relaxed and sleepy, with no memory of the procedure.
General Anesthesia: Used for complex cases, putting you into a deep sleep with a breathing tube.

Post-Procedure Care Tips

Use prescribed pain medication if needed, especially if bone was removed.
To help with any pain and keep the swelling down, using an ice pack.
Rest on the day of surgery. Resume normal activities the next day.
Drink plenty of water but avoid caffeine and hot drinks for 24 hours.
Do not use a straw for at least a week to prevent dry socket.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt or applesauce for the first day.
For the first day, avoid brushing, rinsing, spitting, or using mouthwash.
Resume gentle brushing after 24 hours, avoiding the surgical area.
For a week, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater every couple of hours and also after you eat.
Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours; longer if possible.
If you have stitches that didn’t dissolve, follow up with your dentist if stitches need to be removed.

El-Shenawy Clinics: Elevating Your Dental Experience

Wisdom molar extraction is not just about removing a tooth; it’s a delicate procedure that requires precision and expertise to avoid complications. At El-Shenawy Dental Clinics, our team of highly skilled dentists brings years of hands-on experience, advanced techniques, and a deep understanding of dental health to ensure that every treatment is performed with the highest level of care.

From complex extractions to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we focus on comprehensive solutions that protect, enhance, and maintain your oral health. Our approach goes beyond routine procedures; it is about creating a seamless patient experience where comfort, safety, and long-term results come first. With a commitment to excellence, we combine skill and technology to redefine modern dentistry.

Book your consultation today to experience expert dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wisdom molar extraction risky?

No, generally wisdom tooth extraction is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, including infection, dry socket or nerve damage. Choosing an experienced dentist or oral surgeon minimizes these risks.

When to call the surgeon?

Contact your surgeon if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling that worsens after three days, signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste), difficulty breathing or swallowing.