What Are Wisdom Teeth, and When Should They Be Removed?

Question

I recently started experiencing pain and swelling in the back of my mouth, and my dentist mentioned that my wisdom teeth might be coming in. From what I understand, wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually emerge in late teens or early adulthood, but why do some people need them removed while others don’t?

I read that wisdom teeth can sometimes grow in properly without causing issues, but in other cases, they can be impacted, misaligned, or cause pain and infections. How do dentists determine whether wisdom teeth need extraction, or if they can be left alone?

One thing that concerns me is that wisdom tooth extraction can be painful and take time to heal. What are the best ways to manage pain and swelling after wisdom tooth removal, and how long does recovery take?

Are there any natural or Ayurvedic remedies that help with wisdom tooth pain and healing? I’ve heard that clove oil, turmeric paste, and salt water rinses are beneficial—do these actually work for relieving wisdom tooth discomfort?

If anyone has had their wisdom teeth removed, what was the recovery process like? Did home remedies, painkillers, or ice packs help the most?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but not everyone needs them removed. Some people have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to come in properly, while others experience issues like impaction, misalignment, or infections, making extraction necessary. Dentists typically determine whether wisdom teeth need removal based on X-rays, symptoms like pain or infection, and whether the teeth are causing other dental issues. After wisdom tooth extraction, pain, swelling, and bleeding are common, but these can be managed with ice packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, and keeping the mouth clean with gentle salt water rinses. Full recovery can take a few days to a week, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activity and follow your dentist's aftercare instructions. Ayurvedic remedies like clove oil, turmeric paste, and salt water rinses are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, so they can help soothe discomfort and support healing.

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and When Should They Be Removed? - #15432

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