Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge in young adults between their late teens and early twenties. For many, this is a simple rite of passage, but for others, the eruption of wisdom teeth can lead to problems. These third molars frequently become impacted due to a lack of space in the mouth, which can cause crowding, misalignment, or even painful infections. Most jaws simply don’t have enough room to accommodate these late-blooming teeth, making wisdom tooth removal a common and often necessary dental procedure.
In this post, we’ll demystify the process of extracting impacted wisdom teeth. You’ll learn how oral surgeons safely carry out these extractions and why timely removal is important to prevent complications such as cysts, infections, or shifting teeth. Whether you're currently experiencing discomfort or simply preparing for the future, our expert advice will help you feel informed and confident as you approach your dental procedure.

What Are Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth, one in each quadrant: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, though this can vary. While many people develop all four, some may have fewer, or none at all and that is a completely normal variation in dental development.

Signs That Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Problems

Pain at the Back of Your Mouth
You may feel a dull ache or sharp pain behind your last molars (back teeth) that doesn’t go away, especially when chewing that could be the sign of infection from the wisdom tooth.

Swollen or Sore Gums
The gums around your wisdom teeth might look red, feel puffy, or hurt when you touch or bite down on them, often could be a sign of inflammation or infection.

Trouble Opening Your Mouth
It may become hard or painful to open your mouth fully, which could mean the tooth is pressing against your jaw muscles or nearby tissues.

Repeated Gum Infections
When a wisdom tooth only partly comes through the gum, food and bacteria can get stuck around it. This can cause repeated infections, bad breath, a bad taste, or even pus in that area.

Teeth Crowding or Movement
If there isn’t enough space, your wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of place, making your smile feel tight or crooked.

Headaches or Ear Pain
Pain caused by wisdom teeth can sometimes radiate to your head or ears. This referred pain is often due to pressure or tension from the wisdom teeth affecting nearby teeth and surrounding tissues.

Cysts
In rare cases, a wisdom tooth stuck under the gum can develop a fluid-filled bump or cyst that may damage nearby teeth or weaken the jawbone.

How Dentists Diagnose Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Clinical Examination
The diagnostic process begins with a visual and physical examination of your mouth. During this assessment, the dentist checks for visible or partially erupted wisdom teeth, as well as any issues with the surrounding gums and tissues. This helps determine whether the wisdom teeth are impacted or if your symptoms may be caused by another dental issue.
X-rays
Dental X-rays are commonly used to assess the position and alignment of wisdom teeth. These two-dimensional images provide a full view of both your upper and lower jaws, allowing dentists to see how the wisdom teeth are positioned in relation to nearby teeth, nerves, and blood vessels. This is crucial for planning a safe extraction and minimizing risks such as nerve damage or post-operative complications.
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Scan
In more complex cases, a Cone Beam CT scan may be recommended. This advanced 3D imaging technique offers a highly detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinus areas, with less radiation exposure than traditional medical CT scans. It’s especially useful for identifying unusual root structures, cysts, or damage to nearby teeth. Oral surgeons often use CBCT scans to plan high-risk extractions and ensure surgical precision and safety.

Step-by-Step: The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Initial Assessment & Planning
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your wisdom teeth. During this initial visit, the dentist or oral surgeon performs a clinical examination and takes dental X-rays to determine the exact position and orientation of the teeth. A thorough review of your medical history is also conducted to identify any potential risks, such as bleeding disorders, allergies, or chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. This step ensures that all safety measures are in place before the procedure. Once the plan is confirmed, the area is numbed using local anesthesia or sedation, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the extraction.
Accessing the Tooth
After the anesthesia has taken full effect and the area is completely numb, the surgeon proceeds by making a small incision in the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth. This exposes both the tooth and the surrounding bone, allowing the surgeon clear access. This step is essential for reaching teeth that have not fully erupted or are trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Tooth Removal
In cases where the wisdom tooth is deeply impacted or has multiple roots, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces. This approach makes removal easier and minimizes the risk of damaging nearby bone or teeth. The surgeon carefully removes each section, using controlled force to protect surrounding anatomical structures such as nerves and sinuses. The goal is always to remove the tooth as safely and efficiently as possible.
Cleaning and Closing
Once the tooth has been completely removed, the socket is cleaned thoroughly using an antimicrobial solution. This helps eliminate any debris, bone fragments, or residual infection. If the incision site requires closure, dissolvable stitches are placed to support proper healing and reposition the gum tissue. Finally, gauze is applied to the extraction site to help stop bleeding and encourage the formation of a protective blood clot.

Aftercare and Recovery Tips

Proper aftercare following wisdom tooth extraction is essential to ensure smooth healing and to prevent complications such as dry socket or infection. Here’s what you need to know in detail:

First 24–48 Hours
Immediately after the extraction, it’s important to control bleeding and swelling. Bite down gently on the gauze placed over the extraction site, changing it every 30 to 45 minutes until the bleeding stops. Also avoid frequent changing, as this can disturb clot formation. To reduce the swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for the first day after surgery.

Pain Management
Pain after surgery is common and can be managed effectively with prescribed or over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. Using the ice pack over your jaw can also help relieve your pain

Dietary Guidelines
For the first few days, consume only soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies. Avoid hot foods and beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury. Stay away from crunchy, spicy, sticky, or chewy foods for at least a week, as they can irritate the extraction site or dislodge the clot.

Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth during the first 24 hours after surgery. Starting from the second day, gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution after meals and before bed to keep the area clean. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding brushing the extraction site, and do not use mouthwash with alcohol, as it can irritate the area.

Activities to Avoid:
Avoid any actions that create suction in the mouth, such as spitting, using straws, or vigorous rinsing, as these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket. Also, refrain from smoking, as it interferes with healing and significantly increases the risk of dry socket. Physical activities like running, gym workouts, or heavy lifting should also be avoided for at least 3 to 5 days post-surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding or swelling.

Conclusion

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common yet important dental procedure that, when performed at the right time, can prevent a range of oral health issues such as infection, tooth crowding, and even cyst formation. Understanding the signs of impacted wisdom teeth, the diagnostic methods dentists use, and the detailed extraction process can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a smoother recovery. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to stay proactive about your oral health. At Warwick Lodge Dental, Our dentist in Herne Bay, Kent is here to guide you every step of the way from consultation to aftercare. If you suspect your wisdom teeth might be causing issues or you're due for a dental assessment, don’t wait, book an appointment with us and take a step toward healthier, smile.

Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Dentists Safely Remove Impacted Teeth