Oral Surgery Procedures · Third Molars
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Many jaws don’t have room for them, so they grow in crooked or stay trapped beneath the gum or bone. Removing them is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. It typically takes about an hour, and most people are back to their usual routine within a week.
About 1 hour for a typical procedure
3–5 days of rest at home
About 2 weeks to feel fully recovered
Why Remove Them
When wisdom teeth cause problems
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that can’t fully come in to a normal position. Removal may be recommended to treat a problem, or to prevent one before it starts.
Common reasons for removal
- Teeth trapped in the gum or jawbone, or growing in sideways.
- Pain, swelling or infection in the back of the mouth.
- Trapped food leading to decay or gum disease around the molars.
- A cyst forming around the tooth, or damage to nearby teeth or bone.
Why timing matters
- Removal is often recommended in the late teens or early 20s, while the roots are still developing.
- Teeth are generally easier to remove at this stage, and younger patients tend to heal faster.
- Teeth without symptoms may still be removed to prevent future problems. There is no upper age limit.
Your evaluation
- An exam and X-rays show each tooth’s exact position.
- Lower wisdom teeth can sit close to the nerve that gives feeling to the lip and chin. 3D imaging may be used to plan around it.
- Share all medications and supplements, and don’t stop any without asking your provider.
The Procedure
How wisdom teeth are typically removed
The procedure is done in a single visit, usually in an hour or less. Complex cases may take longer.
Step 1
Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia numbs the teeth and gums.
- Sedation is commonly offered so you stay relaxed and comfortable.
- With sedation, you’ll typically fast for six to eight hours and need an adult to drive you home.
Step 2
Reaching the tooth
- Teeth that have fully come in can often be removed directly.
- For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum exposes the tooth.
- If bone covers the tooth, a small amount is removed to reach it.
Step 3
Removing the tooth
- The tooth is gently loosened and lifted from its socket.
- It may be divided into sections so it can come out through a smaller opening.
- The socket is cleaned to remove debris and help prevent infection.
Step 4
Closing & recovery
- Stitches close the site when needed, and are often dissolvable.
- Gauze is placed over the socket to control bleeding.
- You rest in recovery before going home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
What to expect as you heal
Bleeding, pain and swelling usually ease within a week, though the sockets themselves can take a month or more to fully fill in.
Days 1–3
Rest & protect the clot
- Expect light bleeding, swelling and soreness.
- Ice 20 minutes on, 20 off, and rest with your head raised.
- Soft foods and plenty of water. No straws, spitting or carbonated drinks.
Days 4–7
Feeling better
- Pain, swelling and bleeding ease.
- Most people return to daily routines around day five.
- Begin gentle warm salt-water rinses. Light activity only.
Week 2
Easing back in
- Add more foods, still avoiding crunchy or chewy ones.
- Keep brushing and flossing, avoiding the sockets.
- Attend any follow-up visit and mention lingering pain.
Weeks 3–4
Back to normal
- Gum tissue grows over the sockets.
- Return to your usual foods, including crunchy ones.
- Resume full activity and exercise.
After Your Extraction
Know what’s normal, and when to call
The most common complication is dry socket, when the blood clot breaks down or is dislodged too soon and exposes the bone. It affects roughly 2% to 5% of extractions and is more common after wisdom teeth removal.
What’s normal
- Oozing or pink-tinged saliva for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Swelling that peaks around days two to three, then improves.
- Jaw stiffness, a sore throat or mild bruising on the cheeks.
- Numbness that wears off within hours of the procedure.
Call our office if
- Severe pain starts or worsens a few days after surgery, especially if it spreads toward the ear. This can signal dry socket.
- Swelling gets worse after day three.
- You have a fever above 101°F, pus or a persistent bad taste.
- Bleeding doesn’t slow after 30 to 45 minutes of firm pressure.
- Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue persists.
For detailed home-care steps, see our Post-Care & Recovery guide. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Next Steps
Have questions about your wisdom teeth?
An evaluation with X-rays will show whether your wisdom teeth need to come out and what your procedure would involve.
This page describes how the procedure is typically performed and is not a substitute for professional advice. Your surgeon will recommend a plan based on your exam, imaging and health history.
