Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically erupt between ages 17–25. When they don't have enough room, they become impacted — causing pain, infection, and damage to neighbouring teeth.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out
- Jaw pain or stiffness near the back of your mouth
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums behind your last molar
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Repeated infections in the area
- Cyst formation around an impacted tooth
The Extraction Process
Simple extractions take 20–40 minutes under local anaesthetic. Impacted wisdom teeth require a surgical approach with sedation options available for anxious patients.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Swelling and bleeding normal — use ice packs
- Day 3–5: Peak swelling, soft foods only
- Day 7: Stitches dissolve or removed
- Week 2: Most patients back to normal