# Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Does a Wisdom Tooth Need Removal?

By Dr. Sneha, BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics), The Dental Corner, Keshav Puram, New Delhi. Published 2026-11-07.

**Short answer:** A wisdom tooth needs removal when it is stuck, repeatedly infected, decayed, or damaging the tooth next to it. A wisdom tooth that has come in straight and can be cleaned can stay.

## What wisdom teeth are

They are the third molars, the last teeth to arrive, usually between 17 and 25 years of age. Many jaws do not have room for them, so they come in at an angle or stay partly under the gum. This is called an impacted tooth.

## Common problems

- **Gum infection.** Food and bacteria collect under the gum flap over a partly erupted tooth, causing pain and swelling.
- **Decay.** They sit far back and are hard to clean.
- **Damage to the neighbouring molar** from pressure or trapped food.
- **Pain when opening the mouth or swallowing.**

## Signs you should get it checked

- Pain or swelling behind the last molar
- A bad taste or smell from the area
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Pain that comes and goes every few months
- Swelling of the cheek or fever

## How we decide

We examine the area and take an X-ray to see the position of the tooth and its roots. If the tooth is healthy, upright and cleanable, we simply monitor it.

## The procedure

Removal is done under local anaesthesia, so the area is completely numb. A simple extraction takes a few minutes. An impacted tooth takes longer and may need a small stitch.

## Recovery

- Bite on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes
- Apply an ice pack on the cheek on the first day
- Eat soft, cool food for a day or two
- Do not spit forcefully, use a straw, or smoke for at least 48 hours
- From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water
- Take medicines as prescribed

Swelling peaks around the second day and then settles. Most people are back to normal within a week.

## Call the clinic if

- Bleeding does not stop
- Pain gets worse after the third day
- You have fever or increasing swelling

## Book a visit

If you have questions about this, we are happy to help. Consultation at The Dental Corner, Keshav Puram starts at ₹100. Call or WhatsApp +91 80765 81730.

*This article is general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist.*