Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure performed to remove the third molars (wisdom teeth), which often cause pain, crowding, or infection due to lack of space in the jaw.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars, usually appearing between ages 17–25.
They were useful for our ancestors to chew tough foods, but modern diets and smaller jaws often make them unnecessary
Impaction: Teeth trapped under gums or bone.
Crowding: Pushes against other teeth, misaligning them.
Infection/Decay: Hard-to-clean position leads to cavities or gum disease.
Pain & Swelling: Pressure or inflammation in the jaw.
Cysts/Tumors (rare): Can form around impacted teeth
Simple Extraction: For fully erupted teeth, removed like regular molars.
Surgical Extraction: For impacted teeth, requiring gum incision and sometimes bone removal.
Complex Cases: May involve sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for safe removal
Examination: X-rays to assess position.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation.
Extraction: Tooth removed via simple or surgical method.
Stitches (if needed): To close surgical site.
Recovery: Usually 3–7 days, with swelling subsiding in a week
Bite on gauze to stop bleeding.
Apply ice packs for swelling.
Eat soft foods (soups, yogurt, rice).
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and straws (to prevent dry socket).
Maintain gentle oral hygiene
