Why wisdom teeth cause problems
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually between 17 and 25. Often there isn’t enough room, so they come through partly or tilt into the tooth in front and get stuck (impacted). A partly erupted wisdom tooth leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect, which leads to the most common problem: repeated infection of the gum around it (pericoronitis).
Signs to look out for:
- pain and swelling of the gum at the very back of the mouth
- a bad taste or bad breath from that area
- pain when you bite, or the upper tooth biting onto swollen gum
- stiffness, or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- food packing between the wisdom tooth and the tooth in front
When removal is advised
We recommend removing a wisdom tooth when there’s a clear reason:
- more than one episode of gum infection around it
- decay in the wisdom tooth that can’t sensibly be filled
- decay or damage to the back of the tooth in front
- a cyst or other changes around the tooth on an X-ray
- gum disease around it that cleaning can’t control
A wisdom tooth that is healthy and not causing trouble can usually stay, even if it’s impacted. We’ll look at it on X-rays at check-ups.
What happens
- Assessment. An X-ray shows the position of the tooth, the shape of its roots and how close they are to the nerve in the lower jaw. If they’re very close, a 3D scan (CBCT) helps plan the safest approach.
- On the day. Eat a normal meal beforehand. The oral surgeon numbs the area with local anaesthetic.
- Removal. A small cut in the gum gives access. Sometimes a little bone is removed or the tooth is divided so it comes out in pieces with less force.
- Closing. Stitches close the gum, and you bite on gauze to stop the bleeding.
Upper wisdom teeth are often quicker and easier than lower ones.
Recovery
- Day 1: bite on gauze, rest, cold packs on the cheek 15 minutes on and off. No rinsing, spitting, straws or smoking.
- Days 2–3: swelling and stiffness usually peak. Keep taking painkillers as advised. Start warm salt-water rinses after meals.
- Days 4–7: things improve steadily. Soft food, gentle brushing.
- 1–2 weeks: stitches dissolve or are removed.
Call us if pain gets worse after day three, swelling keeps increasing, you have a fever, or numbness of the lip or tongue hasn’t worn off by the next day.
Risks
Swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness and some bleeding are expected. Dry socket happens in a small proportion of lower wisdom teeth, more often in smokers. Infection is uncommon. The most important, though uncommon, risk with lower wisdom teeth is injury to the nerves that supply feeling to the lower lip, chin and tongue. This usually recovers over weeks or months, and permanent numbness is rare. The oral surgeon will go through your personal risk before you decide.
What affects the fee
How impacted the tooth is, upper or lower, whether one or more teeth are removed in the same visit, and whether a 3D scan is needed. See tooth extraction cost.
Questions patients ask us
Should I remove a wisdom tooth if it doesn't hurt?
Not necessarily. A wisdom tooth that has come through properly, or is fully buried and causing no problems, can usually be left alone and watched at check-ups. Removal is advised when there's repeated infection, decay, damage to the next tooth, a cyst, or gum disease around it.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The area is numbed, so you feel pressure, not pain, during the procedure. Afterwards, expect soreness and swelling for a few days. It's usually worst on day two or three and is managed with painkillers, cold packs and rest.
How long does recovery take after wisdom tooth removal?
Most people need one or two days off work or college. Swelling and stiffness in the jaw peak around day two or three and settle over a week. The gum heals over two to three weeks; the bone takes a few months.
What helps wisdom tooth pain until I can see a dentist?
Rinse with warm salt water, keep the area clean with a soft brush, and take an over-the-counter painkiller you know is safe for you. If you have swelling of the face, a fever, or difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing, see a dentist the same day.
Can a normal dentist remove wisdom teeth?
A general dentist can remove wisdom teeth that have come through straight. Impacted or tilted wisdom teeth, especially lower ones, are better removed by an oral surgeon, who is trained in surgical extractions and in managing teeth close to the nerve.
What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?
Swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness and dry socket are the common ones. Less commonly, the nerve near a lower wisdom tooth can be bruised, causing numbness or tingling of the lip, chin or tongue. This is usually temporary but rarely can be permanent, which is why lower wisdom teeth are carefully planned with X-rays and sometimes a 3D scan.
What should I eat after wisdom tooth removal?
Soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the first few days, such as curd, dal, khichdi, soups (not hot), mashed vegetables and soft fruit. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy or very hot food, and don't drink through a straw for the first day.
Sources
NHS: wisdom tooth removal ↗Cambridge University Hospitals NHS: removal of impacted wisdom teeth ↗Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS: removal of wisdom teeth ↗ADA MouthHealthy: wisdom teeth ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.