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Dental guide · Part of our Tooth Extraction guide

Wisdom Teeth: Problems, Removal and Recovery

Wisdom teeth usually come through in the late teens or early twenties. Many cause no trouble and are simply checked at routine visits. They need removing when there isn't room for them to come through properly and they cause pain, infection or decay.

Medical facts checked 16 October 2026 against the sources at the end. Published by Dental Plus, Bahria Town, in practice since 1984.

Key points

  • Wisdom teeth that cause no problems are usually left alone
  • Pain, swelling, infection and decay are common reasons for removal
  • Removal usually takes no more than 40 minutes under local anaesthetic
  • Swelling and stiffness can last up to 2 weeks, easing after a day or two

Problems wisdom teeth can cause

When there is not enough room, a wisdom tooth may be blocked by another tooth or partly covered by gum. According to the NHS, that can lead to:

What happens during removal

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. The dentist may need to open the gum or remove the tooth in pieces, then close the gum with dissolvable stitches if needed. The NHS says the procedure should take no more than 40 minutes, and most people go home the same day. Harder extractions are sometimes referred to a specialist surgeon.

Recovery and aftercare

Pain, swelling, bruising and a stiff jaw are common for up to 2 weeks, usually improving after the first day or two. Many people are back to normal activities the next day. To help healing:

  • Take painkillers as advised and eat soft food
  • Rinse gently and brush carefully around the area
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, very hot drinks and hard or crunchy food
  • Watch for dry socket, when the blood clot over the socket does not form properly, which is painful

How Dental Plus can help

Wisdom teeth are looked at during routine check-ups, and one that is not causing problems is usually left alone. Read our tooth extraction guide for recovery day by day.

Book on WhatsApp Call 0306 5574644

Common questions

Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?

No. If they are not causing problems, they are usually left in place and checked at routine visits.

How long does wisdom tooth removal take?

According to the NHS, usually no more than 40 minutes, under local anaesthetic.

How long is recovery?

Many people return to normal activities the next day. Swelling and stiffness can last up to 2 weeks, easing after the first day or two.

What is dry socket?

A painful condition where the blood clot over the socket does not form properly. Avoiding smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing early on lowers the risk.

Sources

Checked on 16 October 2026. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, see a dentist.