What are wisdom teeth, and why do they cause problems?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. Because many jaws don't have room for them, they may erupt partially or at an angle, or stay impacted under the gum or in the bone. Not every wisdom tooth needs removing โ€” but in some cases extraction is the best way to protect your oral health.

5 situations where wisdom tooth removal is recommended

  1. Recurring gum infection around it (pericoronitis): when partially erupted, bacteria collect under the gum flap, causing pain, swelling, bad taste and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth.
  2. Decay that can't be treated โ€” it's at the back and hard to clean or restore.
  3. Damage to the neighbouring molar: a tilted wisdom tooth pressing on the tooth in front can cause decay or root damage.
  4. Cysts or bone problems around an impacted tooth (rare but important).
  5. Recurrent pain or bite problems linked to it.

A fully erupted, upright wisdom tooth that can be cleaned properly and causes no problems may not need removal โ€” just monitoring.

How is a wisdom tooth removed?

  1. Examination and X-ray to see the tooth's position, roots and how close they are to the nerve (lower jaw) or sinus (upper jaw).
  2. Local anaesthesia.
  3. Extraction: an erupted tooth is usually a simple extraction. An impacted tooth needs surgical removal โ€” a small opening in the gum, sometimes dividing the tooth to remove it gently.
  4. Closure with stitches if needed.

Aftercare: important instructions

  • Bite on gauze for 30โ€“45 minutes.
  • Cold compresses on the cheek on day one to reduce swelling.
  • Don't rinse hard, use a straw or smoke for the first days โ€” so the clot isn't dislodged, which causes painful "dry socket".
  • Soft, cool or lukewarm food on day one.
  • After 24 hours: gentle warm salt-water rinses.
  • Take medication as prescribed.
  • Swelling peaks on day two or three, then gradually settles โ€” this is normal.
Contact the clinic if: heavy bleeding continues, pain gets worse after day three instead of better, you develop a fever, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Frequently asked questions

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

You won't feel pain during the extraction thanks to anaesthesia. Afterwards there may be pain and swelling for a few days, managed with painkillers and aftercare.

Do all four wisdom teeth need to come out?

No โ€” only those causing, or likely to cause, problems, as shown by examination and X-rays.

What is dry socket?

Severe pain 2โ€“4 days after extraction caused by losing the blood clot. Following aftercare instructions helps prevent it, and it's treated at the clinic if it happens.

When can I eat normally?

Usually after a few days, moving gradually from soft foods and avoiding chewing on the extraction site at first.

Wisdom tooth assessment in Amman

If a wisdom tooth is causing pain or recurring infection, book an examination and X-ray at Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh. Book your appointment.

Note: this article is for general education and doesn't replace a clinical examination. The right treatment is chosen after assessing your case at the clinic.