Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually between about 17 and 25. Not every wisdom tooth has to come out, but teeth that grow crooked, stay impacted or keep getting inflamed should be checked by a dentist.
- Wisdom teeth usually come in between about 17 and 25 and often grow crooked or stay impacted because there is little room at the back of the jaw.
- Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed; the dentist decides based on tooth position, symptoms and X-ray findings.
- A wisdom tooth that does not hurt can still put the neighboring tooth at risk, so unusual signs should be checked.
- After removal, protect the blood clot, eat soft food, clean gently and return for a check if pain, fever or swelling increases.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to appear in the jaw. Because there is often little room at the back of the mouth, they can grow crooked or stay impacted, causing pain, gum inflammation and problems for the neighboring tooth. This article helps you recognize the signs, know when removal is needed and care for the area properly.
What are wisdom teeth, and what are the signs they are coming in?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, sit at the very back of the dental arch. A person can have up to 4, but some people only develop one or two, or none at all.
Since they come in last, wisdom teeth often lack the space to grow normally. Depending on position and direction, they may grow straight, tilt toward the second molar, lie sideways or stay hidden under the gum and jawbone.
Common signs when a wisdom tooth comes in:
- Pain at the very back of the jaw, especially when chewing.
- Red, swollen or tender gums behind the last molar.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing when the area is inflamed.
- Food getting trapped around the tooth, causing bad breath.
- Pain spreading to the jaw or ear in some cases.
Not everyone has all of these symptoms. Some impacted or tilted teeth cause no pain for a long time but can still put the neighboring tooth at risk. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked at a dental clinic. See also What to do about gum swelling over a wisdom tooth.
When do wisdom teeth need to be removed? Is it dangerous to leave them?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If the tooth is straight, has enough room, is healthy, easy to clean and does not affect nearby teeth, the dentist may simply monitor it.
Removal may be considered when:
- The tooth is tilted or sideways and affects the second molar.
- It has decay, is hard to clean or cannot be restored properly.
- The gum flap over it gets inflamed again and again, causing pain and swelling.
- It damages the neighboring tooth or is linked to a cyst or other lesion.
- The dentist finds another problem caused by the tooth.
If a problematic wisdom tooth is not managed properly, it can lead to long-lasting gum inflammation, decay, damage to the second molar or infection of the surrounding tissue. Some impacted teeth can also be linked to cyst-like lesions in the jawbone.
Two things to remember. First, a wisdom tooth that does not hurt is not necessarily risk-free. Second, not every impacted tooth must be removed. The dentist needs to assess the tooth position, symptoms, X-ray images when indicated and the risk of complications. You can read more in Impacted wisdom teeth: complications and when to remove them and Are dental X-rays harmful?.
What does wisdom tooth removal involve? Does it hurt, and how long does healing take?
Wisdom tooth removal is a dental procedure that must be done by a qualified professional after an exam. It usually includes an oral check, an X-ray when needed, a discussion of options, anesthesia and the extraction itself. For impacted or complex teeth, the dentist may need extra steps to remove the tooth safely. The sterile process is described in How safe, sterile tooth extraction works.
During the procedure, anesthesia controls pain. You may feel pressure or pulling, and you should tell the dentist right away if you feel unusual pain. Details are in Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?.
After the anesthesia wears off, the area can be sore and swollen for the first few days. Many people feel better after about a week, but recovery depends on how difficult the procedure was, how inflamed the area was beforehand and the individual. Soft tissue may heal within a few weeks, while the bone in the socket needs longer to rebuild.
Contact the clinic if after a few days the pain clearly increases, swelling keeps growing, you have a fever or notice pus. Trouble breathing, trouble swallowing or swelling that spreads quickly across the face and neck needs emergency care right away.
How to care for the area after wisdom tooth removal
Proper care protects the blood clot, supports healing and lowers the risk of complications.
- First hours: bite on the gauze as instructed, avoid spitting or rinsing hard, and do not touch the area with your tongue. Short cold compresses on the outside of the cheek during the first day may help if they fit your dentist's instructions.
- Eating: choose soft, easy foods such as porridge, cooled soup and soft eggs, and drink enough water. Avoid food that is very hot, hard, crunchy or crumbly. If your dentist advises, do not use a straw early on.
- Oral hygiene: use a soft brush, be gentle and avoid the fresh socket. After 24 hours you can rinse gently as your dentist directs.
- Medication: take pain relief and other medicine only as prescribed, and do not start antibiotics on your own.
- Daily life: rest, avoid strenuous activity early on and avoid smoking, which can slow healing.
If bleeding lasts, pain is severe, you have a fever or swelling grows instead of shrinking, return for a check. For food guidance, see What to eat after tooth extraction.
Wisdom tooth check-ups at Nha Khoa Ky Hoa
Wisdom teeth can cause many problems if they grow crooked, stay impacted or are hard to keep clean. A dental exam identifies the real situation, assesses the risk of complications and chooses the right option for each person. For the service, see Tooth extraction; for costs, read How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?; for insurance, read Is tooth extraction covered by health insurance?.
If you have pain at the back of the jaw, swollen gums, trouble chewing or suspect a tilted wisdom tooth, do not ignore it. Nha Khoa Ky Hoa sees patients in queue order by number. Call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter hours, or come in during working hours at 266A - 268 Duong 3 Thang 2, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Zalo: 082.299.3377.
This article gives general health information and does not replace an in-person exam and advice from a dentist.
Frequently asked questions
Do wisdom teeth always have to be removed?
No. If the tooth is straight, has enough room, is healthy and easy to clean, the dentist may just monitor it. Teeth that are tilted, sideways, often inflamed or harming the neighboring tooth are usually considered for removal.
Should I get checked if my wisdom tooth does not hurt?
Yes. A tilted or impacted tooth can be painless for a long time yet still affect the neighboring tooth. A dentist can examine it and order an X-ray when needed.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
Anesthesia is used during removal, so you mainly feel pressure or pulling. After it wears off the area can be sore and swollen for a few days, then gradually improves.
When should I go back to the clinic after removal?
If bleeding lasts, pain is severe, you have a fever or swelling grows instead of shrinking, contact the clinic. Trouble breathing, trouble swallowing or fast swelling of the face and neck needs emergency care.