Wisdom Tooth Problems
If you're experiencing pain or infection from wisdom teeth, or your dentist has recommended evaluation, we can assess the situation and explain your options.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. But when they cause problems—pain, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth—extraction by an experienced oral surgeon is the solution.
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What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth—the third molars at the back of each arch—are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. For many patients, there is not enough room in the jaw for these teeth to erupt fully and in proper alignment.
When a wisdom tooth cannot emerge normally, it becomes impacted—partially or fully trapped beneath gum tissue or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and cyst formation. Even wisdom teeth that emerge partially are difficult to clean and prone to decay and gum infection.
Learn about extractions →When to seek evaluation and treatment
Teeth That Can't Fully Emerge
Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw. Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue behind the last molar. Difficulty opening your mouth fully. Crowding or shifting of adjacent teeth. Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all—identified only through routine x-rays.
Schedule examTeeth That Emerged Partially
Recurring infection in the gum flap over a partially erupted tooth. Decay or cavities developing on wisdom teeth. Food and bacteria trapped in areas difficult to clean. These teeth are particularly vulnerable to problems because the overlying gum creates a pocket where bacteria thrive.
Discuss extractionsDamage to Adjacent Teeth
A wisdom tooth growing at an angle that threatens the adjacent molar. Root resorption of the adjacent molar caused by pressure from the impacted tooth. Bone loss around the adjacent tooth from repeated infection or pressure.
Get imagingWhen Extraction Is Recommended
Wisdom teeth that erupt fully, are properly aligned, and maintain good bone support can be retained and function as normal molars.
However, most wisdom teeth create problems—lack of space, impaction, decay, or gum disease—making extraction more common.
Even healthy-appearing wisdom teeth should be monitored regularly because problems can develop years after eruption.
Regular x-rays and professional evaluation help determine whether your wisdom teeth should be retained or extracted.
Impacted wisdom teeth lack space to erupt fully, becoming trapped against adjacent teeth, bone, or gums, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth are extremely difficult to clean, leading to rapid decay and periodontal disease affecting both the wisdom tooth and the adjacent second molar.
Wisdom teeth often erupt at angles that create destructive forces on adjacent teeth, leading to bone loss and requiring eventual restoration.
Surgical extraction by Dr. Singh is often the best long-term solution, preventing years of problems and protecting the health of your other teeth.
Common concerns answered
A clinical exam and x-rays show the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. If they're impacted, partially erupted, causing pain, prone to infection, or threatening adjacent teeth—extraction is recommended. Some healthy wisdom teeth can be kept if they're fully erupted and properly aligned.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so there's no pain during extraction—only pressure and vibration. Post-operative discomfort is mild and managed with over-the-counter pain medication for 3-5 days. Prescription pain medication is available if needed.
Simple extractions (teeth that have fully erupted) take 20-30 minutes. Surgical extractions (impacted teeth) take 45-90 minutes depending on position and complexity. Multiple teeth are often extracted in a single procedure.
Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Swelling and discomfort peak at 2-3 days and resolve gradually. You'll receive detailed post-operative instructions on diet, activity, how to prevent dry socket, and when you can return to normal activities.
Dry socket is a temporary healing complication where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. It causes increased pain after 2-3 days of normal healing. Prevention: don't smoke, don't use straws, avoid vigorous rinsing, and follow all post-operative instructions. Dry socket is treatable if it occurs.
Yes. Nitrous oxide and IV sedation are available. One of our dental anaesthetists provides IV sedation and general anesthesia for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed or unconscious during the procedure.
Wisdom tooth extraction—especially of fully impacted teeth—requires surgical expertise. Dr. Claudio Tocchio, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has extensive experience removing problematic wisdom teeth precisely and comfortably.
Whether your teeth are simple extractions or complex surgical cases, you're in expert hands. Sedation options with one of our dental anaesthetists ensure you're comfortable throughout.
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