Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Should You Get It Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. While some wisdom teeth grow normally and cause no problems, others may become impacted, partially erupted, or difficult to clean, leading to pain and infection.
So, does every wisdom tooth need to be removed? No. The decision depends on the position of the tooth, symptoms, surrounding teeth and gums, and findings on a dental X-ray.
At Aadi Dental Care, Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad, wisdom teeth are evaluated through a clinical examination and appropriate dental imaging before deciding whether removal is necessary.
Why Does a Wisdom Tooth Hurt?
Common causes include:
The tooth is partially erupted and food gets trapped around it
Infection or inflammation of the surrounding gum
An impacted wisdom tooth pressing against another tooth
Tooth decay
Gum infection
Pressure or damage to the neighbouring tooth
Sometimes the pain can come and go. This does not necessarily mean that the underlying problem has resolved.
When Should a Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?
Extraction may be recommended when a wisdom tooth causes:
Repeated pain or infection
Swelling around the tooth
Difficulty opening the mouth
Decay that cannot be predictably treated
Damage or decay to the neighbouring tooth
Gum problems around a partially erupted tooth
An abnormal position that is causing problems
On the other hand, a wisdom tooth that is healthy, properly positioned, functional and easy to keep clean may not need to be removed simply because it is a wisdom tooth.
What If the Wisdom Tooth Is Close to a Nerve?
This is one of the most common concerns patients have before wisdom tooth surgery.
The roots of some lower wisdom teeth can lie very close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin.
A dental X-ray, and sometimes a 3D CBCT scan, may be recommended to understand the relationship between the tooth and the nerve before surgery.
Depending on the individual case, your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon may discuss different treatment options, including careful surgical removal or, in selected cases, coronectomy, where the crown of the tooth is removed while the roots are left in place to reduce the risk of nerve injury.
The appropriate option depends on the position of the tooth and the individual patient's risk factors.
What Can You Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Some pain, swelling and difficulty opening the mouth are common after wisdom tooth surgery. Swelling may increase during the first couple of days before gradually settling.
Following the post-operative instructions carefully can help protect the blood clot and support uncomplicated healing.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: Post-Operative Instructions
During the First 24 Hours
Avoid spitting. Do not repeatedly spit during the first 24 hours, as this can disturb the blood clot in the extraction socket.
Do not use a straw. Avoid sucking through a straw or any activity that creates strong suction inside the mouth.
Do not rinse vigorously. The extraction socket should be left undisturbed during the first 24 hours while the initial blood clot forms.
What Should You Eat?
Choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods initially and chew on the opposite side.
Avoid:
Very hot food and drinks
Hard or crunchy foods
Foods that can easily get lodged in the socket
Excessively spicy foods if they cause irritation
Also avoid smoking and tobacco during the healing period, as they can interfere with normal healing and increase the risk of complications.
After 24 Hours
After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth after meals to help keep the extraction area clean and reduce food debris accumulating around the socket.
The rinse should be gentle rather than vigorous. Your dentist may also recommend a specific mouthwash or rinsing solution depending on your case.
Continue brushing your teeth, but be careful around the surgical area and follow any additional instructions given by your dentist.
When Should You Contact Your Dentist?
Contact your dentist if you experience:
Bleeding that does not settle
Severe or increasing pain
Increasing swelling after the initial healing period
Fever or feeling unwell
Pus or foul taste/odour from the area
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Any symptom that seems unusual or concerning
Do not wait for the next appointment if you are concerned about your recovery.
Does Every Wisdom Tooth Need to Be Removed?
No.
Some wisdom teeth can remain in the mouth without causing problems and may simply be monitored during routine dental examinations.
However, if a wisdom tooth is repeatedly causing pain, infection, decay or damage to nearby structures, removal may be the safer long-term option.
A proper examination and X-ray are important before making that decision.
Wisdom Tooth Treatment in Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth or repeated infection, don't ignore the symptoms.
At Aadi Dental Care, Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad, wisdom tooth cases are evaluated based on the position and condition of the tooth, with appropriate treatment planned according to the complexity of each case.
Dr. Sufiyan Ur Rahman, BDS, MDHM
Aadi Dental Care
Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad
Phone: 9052 270 416
This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination and personalized advice from a dentist.
