Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually make their appearance in the late teens or early twenties. Because human jaws have evolved to be smaller, these latecomers often lack space, leading to "impaction" — meaning they grow sideways, get trapped, or push against neighboring teeth.
Stages of wisdom tooth extraction
The evaluation
Your dentist will take an X-ray to map the root positions and check proximity to nerves.
The procedure
Performed under local anesthesia, you will feel pressure, but no sharp pain. If the tooth is impacted, a small incision in the gum is made to gently remove the tooth.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–2: Rest up, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, and stick to a soft-food diet (soup, yogurt, smoothies).
- Days 3–7: Stitches (if any) dissolve or are removed; swelling subsides.
Avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting forcefully for the first 48 hours to protect the healing blood clot.
This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination. If you have pain, swelling or bleeding, book an appointment so we can look at the tooth.