Not every wisdom tooth needs removing
If a wisdom tooth has erupted fully, is in a functional position and can be cleaned properly, there is no reason to remove it. Routine extraction of healthy, symptom-free wisdom teeth is no longer recommended.
When extraction is advised
Removal is usually indicated where the tooth is impacted and causing recurrent infection, where decay has developed in the wisdom tooth or the molar in front of it, where a cyst has formed around the crown, or where repeated pericoronitis — inflammation of the gum flap over a partially erupted tooth — keeps recurring.
The procedure
Extraction is carried out under local anaesthetic and typically takes twenty to forty minutes. An impacted tooth may need a small incision and sectioning of the tooth, which sounds more dramatic than it feels.
Recovery
Swelling peaks around forty-eight hours and then settles. Use cold compresses on the first day, eat soft food, avoid smoking and do not rinse vigorously for the first twenty-four hours, as this can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket. Most people return to normal activity within two to three days.