Wisdom Teeth Removal

Verywell / Hilary Allison

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Shawn Watson is an orthodontic dental assistant and writer with over 10 years of experience working in the field of dentistry.

Updated on April 28, 2023

Edmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics. He teaches full-time as a clinical associate professor at his alma mater, New York University College of Dentistry, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and serves on advisory boards for the American Dental Education Association.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents

The per capita price of healthcare per year is higher in the United States than in any other nation in the world, according to National Public Radio (NPR). America spends nearly 2.5 times as much per person as the United Kingdom does, despite having comparable wealth and a lower life expectancy.

Wisdom teeth removal surgery, also called a wisdom tooth extraction, is a dental procedure used to remove a tooth from the third set of molars , commonly called your “wisdom teeth.” The surgery is typically used when the tooth becomes impacted.

Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under mild anesthesia. Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction can take up to six weeks, but most people can go back to normal activities in a day or two.

This article walks you through what to expect if you are scheduled to undergo wisdom tooth removal surgery, including the possible risks and complications.

Verywell / Hilary Allison

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

Not everyone has wisdom teeth, but most people have one to four that usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. The teeth can often become impacted, meaning there is not enough room for them to grow in naturally. By getting the tooth removed, you can prevent damage to the surrounding teeth.

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. The surgery involves cutting into the gum and removing the tooth either as a whole tooth or in pieces.

To prevent pain, you’ll be given anesthesia either as a gas or intravenously (into a vein). Your surgeon will decide which to use based on the complexity of the procedure, your comfort level, and the number of teeth that need to be extracted.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure. It’s often recommended as a preventative measure to protect your other teeth from future problems and preserve your oral health. Recovery is usually quick and most people can return to normal activities in just a few days.

Overview

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is the extraction of your third molars — the four permanent adult teeth located in the very back of your mouth, in the upper and lower jaws. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people have all four of their wisdom teeth. It’s estimated that 5% to 37% of people only have some of their wisdom teeth — or in some cases, none at all.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Researchers believe that wisdom teeth were necessary for our ancestors, as their diet mostly consisted of hard nuts, crunchy leaves and uncooked meat. Today, however, we eat more cooked food and use forks and knives to cut our food up into smaller pieces. As a result, wisdom teeth are widely regarded as vestigial structures (parts of the human body that have become unnecessary).

How do I know if I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?

Sometimes all four wisdom teeth erupt normally and don’t cause any problems at all. But oftentimes wisdom teeth grow in at an angle or stay fully or partially trapped (impacted) in the jawbone or under the gum tissue. This can cause a range of problems. Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction if you:

• Have dental pain near the back of your mouth.
• Trap food and debris around your wisdom teeth.
• Develop gum disease, particularly around your molars.
• Have tooth decay (cavities) in a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
• Develop a cyst (fluid-filled sac) around one or more wisdom teeth.
• Have sustained damage to nearby teeth or surrounding bone.

In many cases, healthcare providers recommend wisdom teeth extraction as a preventative measure. As a result, your dentist may suggest removing your wisdom teeth even if you don’t have any symptoms. This can help reduce your risk for future problems, including infection and tooth decay.

At what age should I have my wisdom teeth extracted?

People of all ages can have their wisdom teeth removed. However, many dentists recommend having them extracted in your late teens or early 20s. During this stage of development, your wisdom teeth are still forming. For this reason, they may be easier to remove with less risk of complications.

Procedure Details

What happens before wisdom teeth extraction?

Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation. During this visit, the surgeon will assess the health of your wisdom teeth and take dental X-rays to determine their exact location. They’ll also discuss sedation options with you. Wisdom teeth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your specific needs.

Be sure to tell your surgeon about any medications, vitamins or supplements you’re currently taking. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the procedure.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

Once sedation medications have been given, your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the teeth and gums. Impacted wisdom teeth (wisdom teeth trapped in the gums or bone) are exposed with incisions, giving your surgeon adequate access. Once the wisdom teeth are visible, your oral surgeon carefully loosens and lifts them from their sockets, cleans the areas and places stitches. In most cases, the stitches will fall out on their own in a few days.

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

Typically, wisdom teeth extraction takes about one hour or less. More complex cases may take longer.

What happens after wisdom teeth removal?

After wisdom teeth removal, you can expect mild discomfort accompanied by slight bleeding and swelling. Your oral surgeon will give you instructions for wisdom teeth management to ease these side effects. Once your sedation wears off enough, a friend or family member will drive you home.