Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth, usually appearing in the late teenage years or early twenties. Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars.

It is not always necessary to remove wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth come in the correct position, they can help with functions like chewing. But, more often wisdom teeth are misaligned or impacted (embedded in the jaw bone/ not completely erupted into the mouth). In many cases, there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to erupt in the jaw which can cause problems like infection, and difficulty in keeping the area clean. To prevent damage to adjacent teeth, we recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem.

Impacted wisdom teeth. can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.

There are two types of impacted teeth. One is a Fully impacted wisdom tooth that isn’t visible and is completely hidden underneath your gums and the other one is a partially impacted wisdom tooth that is slightly visible because part of it has erupted into the mouth.

The symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can vary, but may include:

• Pain in the back of the mouth or jaw
• Swelling in the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Headaches or earaches
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation

Wisdom teeth are typically removed by an oral surgeon in a dental office or hospital setting. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom teeth, and sometimes sedation is used to help the patient relax. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth and then remove the teeth using special instruments. Stitches may be placed to help the gum tissue heal properly.

After wisdom teeth are removed, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions for caring for the extraction site and managing pain. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to help ensure a smooth recovery. You may need to take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to manage discomfort, and you may need to eat a soft or liquid diet for a few days. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.

A dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after wisdom teeth are removed. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth is removed becomes dislodged or does not form properly. This can cause the socket to become exposed and painful. Dry sockets are more common in people who smoke or use tobacco products, as these habits can interfere with the healing process. If you develop a dry socket, your oral surgeon will clean the socket and place a dressing to help protect the area and promote healing. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage discomfort.