Should impacted wisdom teeth be removed? When it is needed and how recovery goes
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An impacted wisdom tooth that causes no problems does not always need to be removed. Removal is recommended for pain, repeated gum infection, decay, cysts or damage to the neighbouring tooth. It is usually done under local anaesthetic; most people return to normal activities the next day, and swelling and soreness settle over a few days to two weeks.
Why do wisdom teeth become impacted?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through. When there is not enough room in the jaw they can stay fully or partly within the bone or gum – this is called an impacted tooth.
When is removal recommended?
In the UK, NICE guidance does not recommend routine (preventive) removal of disease-free impacted wisdom teeth and limits removal to clinical problems like these.
- Repeated gum infection around the tooth (pericoronitis)
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it
- Damage to the root of the neighbouring tooth
- Cysts or abscesses
- Pain and swelling
What about wisdom teeth with no symptoms?
A 2020 Cochrane systematic review found insufficient evidence to decide whether symptom-free, disease-free impacted wisdom teeth should be removed or kept. The authors recommend shared decision-making between patient and dentist, with regular check-ups if the teeth are kept.
How is it done?
According to the NHS, the procedure usually takes from a few minutes up to 40 minutes, and patients go home the same day.
- Examination and X-ray; a 3D scan if needed
- Local anaesthesia
- If needed, a small cut in the gum and removal of the tooth in sections
- Stitches and aftercare instructions
Recovery
- Cold compresses on and off on the first day reduce swelling
- Avoid smoking, hot drinks and vigorous rinsing for 24 hours
- Pain, swelling and jaw stiffness gradually settle within two weeks
- Contact your dentist if pain increases, there is a bad taste or you develop a fever
Frequently asked questions
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure; discomfort afterwards is usually managed with painkillers.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
For a single wisdom tooth, 2–3 days is usually enough; if stitches need checking, your dentist will advise on timing.
When can I eat normally?
Soft, lukewarm foods are recommended for the first days; you can return to a normal diet as swelling settles.
Sources
- Wisdom tooth removal — NHS (UK National Health Service)
- Guidance on the extraction of wisdom teeth (TA1) — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2000
- Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth — Ghaeminia H. et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CD003879), 2020
This article is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.
