Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they arrive when the rest of the mouth is already formed, they often don't have enough room to position themselves properly. That doesn't mean they always need to come out: at our Gavà clinic we assess each case individually.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
We recommend extraction when the tooth causes or may cause problems. The most common reasons are:
- Lack of space: the tooth stays impacted (inside the bone) or only partly erupts.
- Repeated infections: the gum covering a partly erupted tooth easily becomes inflamed (pericoronitis), with pain and swelling.
- Damage to the neighbouring tooth: a tilted wisdom tooth can push or cause decay in the molar next to it.
- Decay that can't be treated properly because it's so hard to reach.
- Cysts around an impacted tooth.
If the tooth has come through well, is healthy and can be cleaned properly, it usually doesn't need removing.
Signs that a wisdom tooth is causing trouble
- Pain at the back of the mouth, sometimes reaching the ear.
- Swollen or bleeding gum behind the last molar.
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
- A bad taste or bad breath.
What the extraction involves
Prior study
Before the procedure we take a panoramic X-ray and, if needed, a CBCT scan, to see the tooth's position and its relationship with the nerve and neighbouring teeth. That way we plan the surgery and explain what to expect.
The procedure
It's done under local anaesthetic, so during the extraction you'll only feel pressure. Dr Paola Vella, our oral surgery specialist, uses minimally invasive techniques for a quicker recovery. A tooth that has erupted well is removed in a few minutes; an impacted one takes a little longer.
If you're nervous
That's very common. Tell us at the first visit: we'll explain everything calmly and, for anxious patients, we consider conscious sedation options.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is quicker than you might think. Some swelling and discomfort for the first 2–3 days is normal. We give you written instructions, but these are the main tips:
- First 24 hours: don't rinse hard or spit, so the clot isn't disturbed.
- Cold: apply ice wrapped in a cloth to your cheek, on and off, on the first day.
- Diet: soft, lukewarm or cold food; avoid very hot, hard or spicy food for the first few days.
- Smoking: avoid it, as it delays healing and increases the risk of infection.
- Hygiene: keep brushing the rest of your mouth carefully.
- Medication: take what we prescribe, as directed.
If the pain gets worse after a few days instead of better, or you have a fever, let us know.
Do all four have to come out at once?
Not necessarily. It depends on which ones are causing problems and their position. Sometimes those on one side are removed first and the others later, so you can keep chewing comfortably.
Frequently asked questions
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
Not during the procedure, thanks to local anaesthetic. Afterwards there may be some discomfort for a few days, controlled with medication.
How many days of rest will I need?
Most patients are back to almost normal within 1–3 days. If the extraction is complex, we recommend planning a couple of days' rest.
Can it be removed while it's inflamed?
If there's an active infection, it's sometimes best to treat it first and do the extraction afterwards.
Many patients come from Viladecans looking for a safe, professional procedure. More about oral surgery and extractions in Gavà.
