Wisdom teeth — the third molars arriving in your late teens or twenties — often don't have room to erupt properly. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are a leading cause of jaw pain and repeated gum infections.
When Removal Is Recommended
- Pericoronitis — repeated infection of the gum flap over a half-erupted tooth
- Decay — impossible-to-clean areas decay the wisdom tooth AND the molar in front
- Cysts — fluid-filled sacs that can damage bone
- Pain and swelling — pressure on the jaw, ear or nearby teeth
- Before orthodontics or dentures — in selected cases
A fully erupted, cleanable, healthy wisdom tooth doesn't need removing — your dentist will only advise extraction when it's genuinely warranted.
The Procedure
- Simple extraction — the tooth is loose enough to remove in minutes under local anaesthesia
- Surgical removal — for impacted teeth: a small gum flap, sometimes sectioning the tooth, then stitches. Usually 20–45 minutes, completely numb
Recovery: First 72 Hours Matter
- Bite on gauze for 30–60 minutes after — pressure stops the bleeding
- Ice pack outside the cheek, 20 min on/off, day one
- Soft cold food — curd, ice cream, dal, khichdi; nothing hot, hard or spicy
- No smoking, no straws, no forceful spitting — suction dislodges the clot and causes dry socket (the main complication, very painful)
- Sleep with your head slightly raised
Warning Signs
Call your dentist if you have worsening pain after day 3, pus, fever, or numbness that persists — most recoveries are uneventful, but these need a review.
Wisdom tooth troubling you? Book an oral surgeon consultation on Odento.
Typical Cost in India
Simple wisdom extraction ₹1,500–₹4,000; surgical/impacted removal ₹4,000–₹15,000 depending on impaction depth.
Prices vary widely by city, clinic, material and case complexity — always confirm a written estimate before starting.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
- Is my tooth actually impacted — can I see the X-ray?
- Simple or surgical removal, and how long will it take?
- What's the dry socket risk for my case, and how do I prevent it?
- When can I return to work/college?
Trusted external resources
Odento procedure guides are educational, not a substitute for an examination — always consult a qualified dentist for your specific case.
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