Wisdom tooth removal: Procedure & potential complications to note

Wisdom teeth usually erupt late and often cause pain, affecting adjacent teeth. Therefore, wisdom tooth removal is a necessary solution to protect overall oral health. In the article below, Shark Dental Clinic will share detailed information about the wisdom tooth extraction procedure and important notes on possible complications, helping you be more proactive in post-extraction care.

What is wisdom tooth removal and why is it sometimes needed?

Wisdom tooth removal is a dental procedure where the third molar, also known as the wisdom tooth, is extracted. This procedure is often necessary when the wisdom tooth fails to erupt properly or does not have enough space to develop in the dental arch. Common issues such as impacted, misaligned, or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to persistent pain, inflammation, and damage to neighboring teeth. Prompt intervention helps relieve symptoms, reduce tissue damage, and protect overall oral health.

There are specific situations in which wisdom tooth extraction becomes necessary:

• Address improper eruption: If a wisdom tooth does not erupt upright, it may push against the second molar (tooth number 7), resulting in ongoing pain and discomfort while chewing.
• Limit damage to adjacent teeth: Impacted or tilted wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby teeth, potentially causing bite misalignment or structural damage.
• Prevent infection and tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are located in positions that make them difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to accumulate and increasing the risk of gingivitis, pericoronitis, or severe infection.
• Maintain jawbone stability: Timely removal of wisdom teeth reduces the risk of cyst formation, jawbone resorption, and other long-term complications.

When does a wisdom tooth require urgent or emergency removal?

In some cases, delaying wisdom tooth removal can result in serious complications. It’s important to seek prompt dental care if you experience the following warning signs:

• Severe and persistent pain with swelling: Intense jaw pain that worsens over time, possibly radiating to the ear or neck.
• Infection or abscess formation: Swollen, red gums around the tooth accompanied by pus discharge, persistent bad breath, fever, or chills, indicating a spreading infection.
• Jaw stiffness and difficulty swallowing: Severe inflammation can cause muscle spasms in the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth, eat, speak, or breathe comfortably.
• Swollen cervical lymph nodes: Enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck, often accompanied by fatigue and general weakness, indicating that the body is fighting an active infection.
• Acute pericoronitis: Inflammation of the gum tissue partially covering an erupting wisdom tooth, causing significant pain due to trapped plaque and bacteria.
• Damage to the second molar: Immediate removal is necessary if a misaligned wisdom tooth damages adjacent molars, leading to decay, gum disease, or tooth fracture.

Do all patients need wisdom tooth extraction, or can some teeth be safely monitored?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed immediately. In certain cases, wisdom teeth can be safely monitored without requiring surgical intervention:

• Properly erupted, complication-free teeth: If the wisdom tooth erupts straight, is healthy, aligns well with the opposing tooth, and can be effectively cleaned during daily oral hygiene, removal may not be necessary.
• Fully impacted teeth without symptoms: When a wisdom tooth remains completely embedded in the jawbone and does not cause pain or infection, dentists may recommend periodic monitoring with X-rays instead of immediate surgical removal.

When is the best time to consider wisdom tooth removal?

The best time for wisdom tooth removal is when the tooth has just started to erupt or has only partially emerged through the gum. At this stage, the roots and jawbone are not fully developed, making the extraction procedure simpler, less painful, and leading to faster recovery. 

If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, removal can still be performed when necessary—especially if they cause pain, inflammation, or negatively impact neighboring teeth. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to monitor the development of wisdom teeth closely, recommending extraction at the most appropriate time to minimize risks and potential complications.

What factors can affect the cost of wisdom tooth removal?

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary based on several factors, including the condition of the tooth, the complexity of the extraction, and other treatment-related considerations. Here are the key factors that influence the cost:

• Level of complexity: Fully erupted wisdom teeth that are straight typically require the least expensive extraction. In contrast, impacted, tilted, or horizontally positioned wisdom teeth—especially those pressing against the second molar—often need advanced techniques, resulting in higher costs.
• Associated oral conditions: If the area around the wisdom tooth is affected by conditions such as pericoronitis, severe decay, or infection, the dentist may need to treat the inflammation before proceeding with the extraction, which can increase the overall cost.
• Extraction technology used: The choice between traditional extraction methods and modern ultrasonic techniques can affect the cost. Advanced technologies often reduce pain, minimize swelling, and accelerate healing but usually come at a higher price.
• Tooth location (upper or lower jaw): Extracting lower wisdom teeth is generally more challenging due to denser bone structure and their proximity to major nerves, which can lead to higher costs compared to upper wisdom teeth.
• Dentist’s expertise: Wisdom tooth removal performed by highly experienced and well-trained dentists—who are skilled at minimizing trauma to surrounding bone and soft tissues—typically carries a higher, yet justified, cost.

How should patients get ready for a wisdom tooth removal visit?

To ensure a safe and smooth wisdom tooth removal process, patients should prepare carefully, both physically and mentally. Before the appointment, consider the following:

• Discuss your medical history: Inform the dentist about any underlying medical conditions, medications you are taking, known allergies, or if you are currently menstruating. This will help the dentist develop an appropriate treatment plan.
• Get proper rest: Ensure you get adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and maintain a relaxed mindset prior to the procedure.
• Have a light meal: If local anesthesia is planned, eat a light meal a few hours before your appointment to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent fatigue or dizziness during treatment.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and rinse your mouth thoroughly at home before visiting the clinic to minimize bacteria around the extraction area.
• Choose a reputable dental clinic: Select a clinic that has experienced dentists and modern equipment to ensure that the procedure is performed accurately, safely, and comfortably.

What happens during the wisdom tooth extraction procedure?

A standard, medically compliant wisdom tooth removal procedure typically includes the following steps:

• Step 1 – Examination and X-rays: The dentist conducts a comprehensive oral examination and takes X-rays to accurately determine the tooth’s position, eruption direction, and root structure.
• Step 2 – Cleaning and disinfection: The oral cavity is cleaned and disinfected using specialized solutions to eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of infection during the procedure.
• Step 3 – Local anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the extraction area, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the minor surgery.
• Step 4 – Tooth extraction: Depending on the complexity of the case, the dentist uses specialized instruments or ultrasonic technology to separate the surrounding tissue, loosen the tooth, and gently remove it.
• Step 5 – Wound suturing: The extraction site is cleaned, and dental sutures are placed to promote faster healing and prevent food debris from becoming trapped
• Step 6 – Post-operative care instructions: The patient is instructed to bite down on gauze to control bleeding and is provided with prescribed medications along with detailed instructions on diet, oral hygiene, and at-home care.

What does a typical recovery timeline look like after wisdom tooth removal?

After wisdom tooth extraction, the recovery time can vary based on the condition of the tooth, the complexity of the extraction, and each patient’s individual healing response. Generally, the healing process progresses through the following stages:

• First 24 hours: A protective blood clot forms at the extraction site. Mild swelling and discomfort may occur as the anesthesia wears off, but these symptoms usually ease with timely use of cold compresses.
• 2–3 Days after extraction: Pain and swelling in the cheeks typically peak and then start to subside. Bleeding usually stops completely, and you may begin gently rinsing with a mild saltwater solution.
• 7–14 Days after extraction: The gum tissue closes and covers the extraction site, often when sutures are removed. At this stage, you can usually resume normal eating without pain.
• 3–4 Weeks after extraction: The gums are mostly healed. You can eat more comfortably, although a slight depression at the extraction site may still be present as it continues to fill in.
• 2–4 Months after extraction: New bone cells gradually fill the socket, restoring a stable underlying structure.
• 6–8 Months after extraction: The gum tissue and jawbone contours are fully regenerated, and the area becomes structurally and aesthetically consistent with the surrounding teeth.

What are the possible risks, and how can patients lower their chance of dry socket?

Although most wisdom tooth removal procedures are safe, certain risks and complications may still occur. Understanding these possibilities can help patients monitor their recovery and reduce complications:

• Anaphylactic shock: A rare but serious reaction to local anesthetics or antibiotics that can lead to breathing difficulties or sudden drops in blood pressure.
• Prolonged bleeding: Persistent bleeding lasting more than 24 hours may occur in patients with clotting disorders, those taking anticoagulant medications, or if the wound is disturbed, affecting larger blood vessels.
• Post-operative infection: Characterized by swelling, pus discharge, fever, and an unpleasant odor, this may result from inadequate sterilization or poor oral hygiene that allows food debris to accumulate.
• Dry socket: A painful condition caused by the premature loss of the protective blood clot. Common triggers include smoking and using straws, which create negative pressure in the mouth.
• Nerve injury: This may cause prolonged numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue due to direct nerve trauma, compression, or post-operative swelling.
• Limited mouth opening (trismus): Jaw stiffness that restricts mouth opening, often due to inflammation of surrounding muscles or temporary effects of anesthesia.
• Retained root fragments or bone spicules: This can lead to persistent dull pain or the sensation of a hard fragment protruding from the gum, usually caused by complex root anatomy or incomplete visualization on pre-operative X-rays.

When should you contact your dentist after wisdom tooth removal?

While some discomfort after surgery is normal, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs:

• Severe or worsening pain: Pain that intensifies after three days and does not respond to prescribed pain medication.
• Heavy or continued bleeding: Bright red blood that continues to flow despite applying firm pressure with gauze.
• Persistent high fever: A temperature above 38°C accompanied by chills, fatigue, or prolonged fever.
• Unusual swelling: Excessive facial swelling that spreads to the neck or interferes with breathing or swallowing.
• Foul odor or pus discharge: White or yellow fluid draining from the extraction site with a strong unpleasant smell.
• Persistent abnormal taste: An ongoing metallic or bitter taste coming from the extraction area.

We hope the information provided by Shark Dental Clinic helps you better understand the recovery process after wisdom tooth removal. Being well-informed about healing stages and potential risks is key to a safe and comfortable post-operative experience. If you are looking for a reliable and professional clinic for wisdom tooth extraction, contact Shark Dental Clinic at (+84) 941 623 322 for prompt consultation and appointment scheduling!