Wisdom teeth extractions are a common procedure due to the issues these teeth often cause when they attempt to emerge through the gums. An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it comes in at an angle rather than straight through the gum line, potentially leading to pain, uneven emergence, or partial eruption.

When a wisdom tooth only partially emerges, it can create a flap of skin known as an operculum. This flap can make cleaning the area difficult, trapping food particles and increasing the risk of infection known as pericoronitis. Although pericoronitis often resolves on its own, it can cause significant swelling and discomfort in the affected area.

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Impacted teeth and problematic wisdom teeth that could lead to infections often need to be extracted. This can involve removing a single tooth or all four wisdom teeth simultaneously. Depending on your or your doctor’s preference, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area around the tooth, or you might opt for general anesthesia to be sedated throughout the procedure.

During the extraction, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is incised to expose the tooth. It is then loosened by gently wiggling it back and forth until it can be removed. If the tooth is severely impacted, it may need to be broken into pieces before removal. Depending on the incision and extraction, sutures may be necessary to close the area, with dissolvable sutures being the preferred choice.

After the surgery, you’ll need to rest and arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home due to the effects of anesthesia. Expect some bleeding at the extraction site, which is normal. Gauze will be placed over the area, and you’ll need to replace it as it becomes soaked. If bleeding persists for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist. When resting at home, keep your head elevated on a pillow to minimize bleeding—avoid lying flat. Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding pain medication, and use an ice pack to help with discomfort. You might also receive a cleaning solution to use on the extraction site.

For a few days after the surgery, stick to soft foods like:

  • Gelatin
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Ice cream
  • Thin soups

Avoid using a straw or smoking, as these actions can interfere with healing by dislodging blood clots and affecting sutures. If you experience prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, irritation, or if the extraction site does not seem to be healing properly, contact your dentist for a follow-up.