What wisdom tooth extraction is and who it suits
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the jaw. They usually appear between the ages of about 17 and 25. The jaw often lacks room for them, so a wisdom tooth may stay fully or partly buried in bone or gum (impacted), or it may come through at an angle and press on the tooth in front.
A partly erupted wisdom tooth tends to cause the most trouble. Part of the crown shows and part stays under the gum, which leaves a pocket that is hard to clean. Food and bacteria collect there and can cause repeated painful gum infections. Decay can also form where the wisdom tooth meets its neighbour.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Mainstream guidance, including the NHS, does not recommend removing healthy wisdom teeth that cause no problems. A tooth that has fully erupted, bites properly and can be cleaned can usually stay. Removal is generally considered when there is:
- Repeated infection of the gum around the tooth
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring molar that cannot be repaired
- Damage to the root of the adjacent tooth
- A cyst or other change around the tooth seen on an X-ray
- Gum disease that the tooth's position makes hard to manage
There are two main types of extraction. A simple extraction is used when the tooth is fully visible and can be loosened and removed whole. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is impacted, angled or broken. In that case the dentist opens the gum, may remove a little bone or divide the tooth into pieces, then closes the area with stitches. Only an examination and imaging can show which type applies to you.
Signs that call for an examination — and when it is urgent
Book a check-up if you notice:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw that keeps returning
- Swollen, red gum over a partly erupted tooth
- A bad taste or bad breath that comes from the back of the mouth
- Food that keeps getting trapped behind the last molar
- Stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Sensitivity or a cavity in the molar next to the wisdom tooth
Some signs mean an infection may be spreading and you need urgent care the same day. These include swelling that spreads across the face, jaw or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or being unable to open your mouth. In these cases call 911, Jordan's emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
How the steps usually go, from examination to follow-up
- Assessment and imaging. The dentist examines the area, asks about your medical history and medicines, and takes an X-ray to see the tooth's position, its roots and how close it sits to the nerve and the neighbouring teeth.
- Controlling acute infection, if present. If the gum is badly infected, the dentist may treat the infection first and schedule the extraction once it has settled.
- Local anaesthesia. The area is numbed so you feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain during the procedure.
- The extraction. A simple extraction loosens and lifts the tooth out. A surgical extraction involves a small gum opening, sometimes removing bone or dividing the tooth, then stitches. A single tooth usually takes about 20–45 minutes, and longer when the tooth is deeply impacted.
- Follow-up and suture removal. A review visit checks healing, and stitches are removed if they are not the dissolving type.
Tell the dentist about any blood thinners, diabetes, heart conditions, pregnancy or allergies before the procedure. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; your dentist and doctor can agree on what to do.
This service at Arafat Dental Clinics in Tabarbour
Dr. Mohammad Arafat Hasan founded Arafat Dental Clinics in 2022, after building 15 years of clinical experience in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Damascus. His further training includes:
- An Advanced Implantology Course with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), 2018
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign) Certification from Align Technology Academy, 2020
- Microscope-Assisted Endodontics with the Jordanian Academy of Dentistry, 2022
For this page, the clinic offers wisdom tooth extraction, surgical tooth extraction and routine tooth extraction. Dr. Arafat also provides oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental X-rays and dental emergency care. If a tooth problem is part of a bigger picture, he can also plan follow-on work such as implants, crowns, root canal treatment or orthodontics. The clinic lists 120 services in total. His work includes digital panoramic imaging, which shows the whole jaw in one view, and he places emphasis on careful planning before treatment.
Both the clinic and the dentist are verified on ClinicsJo. Dr. Arafat holds a 5-star average from 3 approved reviews, and the clinic holds a 5-star average from 2 approved reviews. He speaks Arabic and English, and he also treats children, older adults and patients with special needs.
Questions to ask the dentist before starting
- Does my wisdom tooth actually need to come out, or can it be monitored?
- Will this be a simple or a surgical extraction, and why?
- What does the X-ray show about the nerve and the neighbouring tooth?
- Should the other wisdom teeth be checked or treated at the same time?
- What should I do about my regular medicines before the appointment?
- What are the specific risks in my case, such as dry socket or temporary numbness?
- Will I need stitches, and when is the follow-up visit?
- How much time off work or study should I plan for?
- What will the treatment cost? Cost is set after the examination and explained before treatment starts.
Aftercare and realistic expectations
Some swelling, stiffness and discomfort are normal for a few days, especially after a surgical extraction. Swelling often peaks around the second or third day and then eases. General advice includes:
- Bite gently on the gauze as instructed to control bleeding.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting hard or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours so the blood clot can form.
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water, as your dentist advises.
- Eat soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side.
- Avoid smoking, which raises the risk of dry socket and slows healing.
- Keep brushing your other teeth, taking care near the wound.
- Use pain relief only as your dentist recommends.
Contact the clinic if pain gets worse after day two or three (a possible sign of dry socket), if bleeding does not stop with pressure, or if numbness of the lip, chin or tongue continues after the anaesthetic should have worn off. Healing time varies from person to person, and your dentist can tell you what to expect in your case. Seek urgent help through 911 for spreading swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever.
Booking, getting there and opening hours
Arafat Dental Clinics is in Tabarbour, Amman, at Journalists Roundabout (دوار الصحفيين), Al-Tamimi Complex, 1st floor. The first consultation with Dr. Mohammad Arafat Hasan is free, which gives you a chance to have the tooth examined and imaged before you decide anything.
Opening hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00–22:00
- Friday: closed
Use the contact button on this page to book your assessment for wisdom tooth extraction in Tabarbour. If you have pain or swelling, mention it when you book.