Wisdom teeth — or "third molars" — are the last teeth to emerge, usually between 17 and 25 years of age. Because the human jaw has evolved to become smaller over generations, wisdom teeth often lack the space to erupt properly and cause problems. In this guide, the ClinicsJo Editorial Team explains when extraction is needed, how it's done, and what recovery looks like.
When Should a Wisdom Tooth Be Extracted?
Not all wisdom teeth need removal. Extraction is performed in these cases:
- Impacted tooth: trapped under gum or bone and unable to erupt.
- Tilted tooth: pushing adjacent teeth and causing crowding.
- Deep decay: hard to access for cleaning due to its rear position.
- Recurrent pericoronitis: infection under a gum flap covering the tooth.
- Cyst or tumor in the jaw: around the wisdom tooth.
- Before orthodontics: to prevent re-crowding later.
- Chronic jaw or ear pain.
When Not to Extract?
- The tooth has fully erupted and causes no problems.
- It is in a safe position and not affecting neighbors.
- It is easy to clean.
Types of Extraction
Simple Extraction
For teeth fully erupted above the gum line. Done under local anesthesia in 15–30 minutes; no surgery needed.
Surgical Extraction
For impacted teeth under gum or bone. Requires incising the gum, removing some bone, and sometimes sectioning the tooth into pieces before removal. Takes 30–90 minutes.
Pre-Extraction Workup
- Panoramic X-ray to see the tooth's position and proximity to nerves.
- Sometimes CBCT (3D imaging) for complex cases to assess closeness to the inferior alveolar nerve.
- Medical history: blood thinners, chronic disease, anesthesia allergies.
Surgery Steps
- Strong local anesthesia, or general anesthesia for multiple extractions.
- Gum incision and tooth exposure.
- Removal of surrounding bone if needed.
- Sectioning the tooth and removing it in pieces.
- Cleaning and irrigation of the site.
- Suturing the gum with absorbable or non-absorbable stitches.
- Placing gauze for pressure.
Post-Extraction Instructions
First 24 Hours
- Keep firm pressure on the gauze for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding.
- Apply ice packs to the outside of the cheek for 20 minutes every hour.
- Don't rinse your mouth or probe the wound with your tongue.
- Don't use a straw or spit forcefully (can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket).
- Stick to cool liquids and soft foods.
- Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours.
Following Days
- Rinse with warm salt water 4 times daily starting on day 2.
- Brush remaining teeth gently around the wound with a soft brush.
- Take painkillers as prescribed (ibuprofen, paracetamol).
- Complete any prescribed antibiotic course.
- Avoid hard, spicy, or very hot foods for a week.
Possible Complications
- Dry socket: dislodgement of the clot, causing severe pain 3–5 days post-op. Needs in-office management.
- Infection: swelling, pus, fever — needs antibiotics.
- Persistent bleeding: more than 24 hours. See your dentist immediately.
- Lip or tongue numbness: rare, occurs when the inferior alveolar nerve is affected. Usually temporary and resolves over weeks.
- Jaw fracture: very rare, in patients with weakened bone.
- Sinusitis: for upper teeth close to the sinus.
Medical tip: If pain increases sharply 3–5 days after extraction instead of subsiding, you likely have a dry socket and need an urgent visit for cleaning and dressing.
Recovery Timeline
- First 3 days: swelling and pain at their peak.
- 1 week: most pain subsides, stitches removed.
- 2 weeks: most function returns.
- 1–3 months: full bone healing.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs in Jordan
- Simple extraction: JOD 50–100.
- Surgical extraction: JOD 100–250.
- All four wisdom teeth with general anesthesia: JOD 600–1,000.
If you have pain at the back of the mouth, recurrent gum swelling, or pressure on other teeth, book an appointment with an oral surgeon to evaluate your wisdom teeth.