Wisdom teeth are the last molars to arrive, usually in the late teens or early twenties, and they do not always have enough room. If you have been told you may need wisdom tooth removal in Chennai, it helps to understand why it is suggested, what the procedure involves and how to recover comfortably. This guide covers the basics in plain language.
Why are wisdom teeth sometimes removed?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Many grow in straight, can be cleaned properly and cause no problems. Your dentist may suggest wisdom tooth removal in Chennai if a tooth is:
- Impacted, meaning it is stuck under the gum or against the next tooth
- Partly erupted, leaving a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect and cause repeated infection (pericoronitis)
- Decayed or damaging the neighbouring tooth, or too far back to clean well
- Associated with a cyst, or with gum disease around the back teeth
Typical warning signs include pain at the back of the jaw, swollen or tender gums, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth fully and bad breath. These can have other causes too, so only an examination and an X-ray can confirm what is happening. If pain wakes you at night, our article on toothache at night and what to do offers some first steps.
How the wisdom tooth removal procedure works
The dentist first takes an X-ray, sometimes a 3D scan, to see the position of the tooth, its roots and nearby nerves. Removal is usually done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb and you stay awake. Some patients also choose sedation if they are anxious, which the dentist will discuss with you.
A straightforward tooth may be loosened and lifted out. An impacted tooth may need a small cut in the gum and, sometimes, the tooth is divided into pieces so it can be removed gently. The gum is then closed with a few stitches, which may dissolve by themselves. The visit commonly lasts from a few minutes to around an hour depending on the difficulty. You can read about the general process in our guide to tooth extraction in Chennai, including recovery and aftercare.
Recovery and aftercare tips
Most people feel sore and a little swollen for a few days, and the cheek may look puffy for up to a week. Your dentist will give specific instructions, but common advice includes:
- Bite on the gauze for the time advised to help a blood clot form in the socket
- Use a cold compress on the cheek in the first day, then warm compresses if advised
- Eat soft, cool foods and avoid very hot drinks, straws and spitting forcefully for the first day or two
- Avoid smoking and alcohol while healing, as they slow recovery
- Keep brushing your other teeth and rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day, if your dentist agrees
- Take pain relief only as directed
Possible risks and when to call the dentist
Like any procedure, wisdom tooth removal carries some risks. The most common problem is dry socket, where the blood clot is lost and pain increases a few days after the procedure. Other risks include infection, prolonged bleeding and, rarely, temporary numbness of the lip or tongue because of nearby nerves. Contact your dentist if pain gets worse after the first few days, bleeding does not settle, you develop a fever, or swelling keeps increasing. If you notice rapid facial swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing, treat it as an emergency, and see our guide to emergency dental care in Chennai.
Do you have to remove a wisdom tooth that does not hurt?
Not necessarily. A healthy, fully erupted wisdom tooth that you can clean easily may simply be monitored. Regular check-ups with X-rays allow your dentist to catch problems early, and the decision should be based on your own mouth rather than a general rule. If you are choosing a clinic, our page on what to expect at your first visit to a dental clinic can help you prepare.
This article is general education and cannot diagnose your teeth. If you have pain or swelling at the back of your mouth, or you would like a wisdom tooth assessed, book a consultation at Eswar Dental Hospital, Valasaravakkam, Chennai. Call +91 733-888-4567 and our team will examine you and explain your options.
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