Wisdom Teeth Extraction

When most people are in their late teens or early twenties, their wisdom teeth will erupt.

These four teeth are located at the very back of the mouth and are the last adult teeth to come through.

The need to deal with wisdom teeth is often prompted by discomfort. Wisdom teeth can:

• Be trapped under the gums
• Partially erupt
• Grow on an angle
• Push into other teeth
• Damage cheeks and gums
• Become infected
• Cause crowding

Just like any other tooth removal, a dentist can often remove wisdom teeth in practice.

Local anaesthesia is used to offer maximum comfort. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, your dentist may  recommend a sedative to further increase comfort.

If wisdom teeth are severely impacted, or there are other complications, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. Your dentist will discuss this with you at your appointment. 

The removal of wisdom teeth is considered a minor procedure. For many patients, discomfort typically resolves over the course of 1 week. The procedure is well tolerated by many patients. Any discomfort following the procedure is easily managed using over the counter pain medication. 

Swelling of the mouth and face is common. Some bleeding may be present at the treatment area.

Your dentist will give you personalised post-procedure instructions which include way to manage any discomfort. 

As mentioned, most patients experience some discomfort following the removal of wisdom teeth and make a full recovery. 

Your dentist will ensure that you are well prepared before your procedure. 

All patients recover form the procedure differently. Some will be able to resume normal activities such as work in the next day or two. For many, allowing  2-5 days away from regular activities such as work offers adequate time for healing and recovery. 

Your dentist assesses position (impaction/angulation), gum health around the tooth, decay risk on the wisdom tooth and its neighbour, jaw space on x-rays, symptoms (pain, swelling), and how likely future problems are. In some cases, regular reviews and hygiene are enough; in others, removal is recommended.

A simple extraction is usually performed when the tooth is visible and can be gently loosened and removed. A surgical extraction may be needed for impacted or partially erupted teeth and can involve a small incision, bone smoothing, or sectioning the tooth to remove it safely. Your dentist will explain which applies to you after examination and x-rays.

Most procedures use local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your dentist will discuss comfort options and whether a referral for treatment with sedation or general anaesthesia is appropriate for complex cases or patient preference.

Mild swelling and jaw stiffness are common for 2–3 days, with gradual improvement over a week. Many people resume light activities the next day and normal routines within several days—your timeline will depend on how many teeth were removed and whether surgery was involved. Your dentist will provide personalised after-care instructions.

Choose soft, cool or room-temperature foods (e.g., yoghurt, mashed vegetables, soups once cooled). Avoid smoking/vaping, drinking through straws, vigorous rinsing, or spitting in the first 24 hours so the blood clot can stabilise. After day one, gentle salt-water rinses or the mouthwash advised by your dentist can help keep the area clean.

Some stitches dissolve on their own; others may need removal at a review visit—your dentist will tell you which type you have. A follow-up is often scheduled to check healing, discuss any bite or jaw concerns, and provide tailored advice for ongoing care.