- Medical License No.: 144189
- 021-8805 0794
Dr. Zahra Sadat Shamekhi
General Dentist
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.
In the past, these teeth helped humans chew harder foods. However, due to changes in diet and jaw size over time, many people no longer have enough space for wisdom teeth to grow properly.
The main reason wisdom teeth become problematic is lack of sufficient space in the jaw. In these situations, the tooth may:
Grow at an angle.
Put pressure on nearby teeth.
Partially emerge through the gums.
Remain completely trapped inside the jawbone (impacted wisdom tooth).
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to food buildup, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and infection.
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended when the tooth causes problems or has a high risk of damaging surrounding teeth.
One of the most common signs that a wisdom tooth needs attention is pain at the back of the jaw. This pain may become worse while chewing or opening and closing the mouth.
If the gum around the wisdom tooth becomes red, swollen, or painful, it may indicate inflammation or infection.
A wisdom tooth that cannot fully emerge from the gum may damage nearby teeth or increase the risk of infection and cyst formation.
Symptoms such as:
Facial or jaw swelling
Pus around the gum
Bad breath
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
may indicate a wisdom tooth infection.
A wisdom tooth growing in the wrong direction can put pressure on the second molar and increase the risk of decay or root damage.
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are often harder to clean properly, making them more likely to develop cavities.
No. Wisdom teeth may not need extraction if they:
Grow completely.
Are positioned correctly.
Do not cause pain or infection.
Do not damage nearby teeth.
In these cases, regular dental checkups may be enough to monitor their condition.
The best time for wisdom tooth removal is often during the late teenage years or early adulthood because the roots may not be fully developed, making the extraction process and recovery easier.
However, the ideal timing depends on each person's jaw condition, tooth position, and dental X-ray results.
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia, so patients usually do not feel pain during the procedure.
After surgery, it is normal to experience:
Mild pain
Facial swelling
Difficulty opening the mouth
Sensitivity around the extraction area
These symptoms usually improve within a few days.
To help the healing process after wisdom tooth removal:
Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing during the first 24 hours.
Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and cool foods.
Avoid drinking through a straw.
Avoid smoking for several days.
Take prescribed medications according to your dentist’s instructions.
Keep the surgical area clean.
If a problematic wisdom tooth is left untreated, it may cause:
Gum infections
Wisdom tooth decay
Damage to neighboring teeth
Dental abscess
Repeated jaw pain
Early diagnosis can help prevent these complications.
Wisdom teeth are the final molars that usually appear during young adulthood. Not all wisdom teeth require removal, but extraction may be necessary if they cause pain, infection, decay, improper growth, or damage to other teeth.
The best way to determine whether you need wisdom tooth removal is to visit a dentist for a complete examination and dental X-ray evaluation.
