Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth (tooth number 8) are the last teeth to grow in the jaw, usually appearing between 17–25 years old. Because of limited space, wisdom teeth are very likely to grow crooked, become impacted, cause swelling and pain, damage nearby teeth, inflamed gums, and other serious complications. Extracting wisdom teeth is the safest and most effective way to prevent infection and protect long-term oral health.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?
You should go to the dentist if you have any of the following signs:
Wisdom tooth is misaligned and pushing against tooth number 7
- Pain that recurs frequently
- Swollen gums, pericoronitis (inflammation around the wisdom tooth)
- Bad breath, infection, pus discharge
- Causing decay on neighboring teeth
- Impacted wisdom tooth,
- pressing on nerves, causing radiating tingling
=> Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed — the dentist will advise based on X-ray / CT scans.
The Safe, Standard Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Step 1:
Examination & cone-beam CT / X-ray
Step 2:
Evaluate nerve position & the direction of tooth growth
Step 3:
Local anesthesia — to ensure no pain
Step 4:
Flap tissue and extract with force or use Piezotome
Step 5:
Control bleeding & suture the extraction site (if needed)
Step 6:
Post-op care instructions & medication guidance
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Dangerous?
If done with correct technique and there is a CT scan to assess the nerves:
- It is completely safe
- It does not affect the facial nerve
- It does not change the shape of the face
Danger only arises when people delay removal → this can lead to severe infection, abscess, bone infection.
Why Do You Need an X-ray / CT Before Extraction?
You should not remove wisdom teeth just by “feeling.” A cone-beam CT shows:
- The depth and direction of tooth growth
- How much the nerves are pressed
- Whether the root is very close to the sinus (upper wisdom tooth)
- Risk of bone infection or abscess
=>Using CT, the dentist can choose a safe technique and minimize risks.
Who Should Not Remove Wisdom Teeth Right Away?
Some cases should be postponed or require special indication:
- Women in their first or last trimester of pregnancy
- Patients on blood-thinning medication
- Patients with uncontrolled severe infection
- People with unstable cardiovascular disease or diabetes
=>The dentist will evaluate and prescribe accordingly to ensure safety
