Wisdom tooth extraction or removal is the most common oral surgery procedure.

Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 18 and 25, as the final set of teeth to develop.

They often grow misaligned, which causes discomfort and swollen gums in the back of the mouth. As a result, they can damage your surrounding teeth, cause problems with chewing, and lead to joint pain.

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Wisdom tooth removal is a pain-free procedure, although it can cause discomfort due to a large number of anastomoses and the immediate vicinity of the mandibular nerve in the lower jaw.

Post-removal recovery depends on the patient, specifically the patient’s general health, the complexity of the procedure, the patient’s physical condition, and whether the patient maintained proper oral care and hygiene, as prescribed after the procedure. The recovery period usually lasts 7 or more days.

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It is necessary to follow the instructions given by the dentist after the procedure. Keeping the wound clean prevents risk of infection, and patients can expect some minor pain and swelling.
More complex procedures involving misaligned wisdom teeth that are harder to reach can cause paraesthesia, a sensation of numbness in the lower lip and tongue.

Written by: dr. med. dent. Ivan Kustec