Removing wisdom teeth is common when they cause problems by not coming in properly. They might be painful, come in unevenly, or only partly emerge. If a flap of skin forms over a partly emerged tooth, it can trap food and lead to an infection called pericoronitis, causing swelling and pain.
For impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, extractions might be needed. This can be for one tooth or all four at once. The dentist can numb the area with local anesthesia or use general anesthesia to sedate you during the procedure.
The procedure involves cutting the gum to reveal the tooth, loosening and lifting it out. Sometimes, if the tooth is tightly impacted, it's broken into pieces before removal. Sutures may be used to close the area.
Afterward, you'll need to rest and have someone drive you home if you had general anesthesia. Expect some bleeding, and change the gauze as needed. If bleeding lasts more than 24 hours, call your dentist. Rest, keep your head elevated, and take prescribed pain medication. Use an ice pack for pain and follow any cleaning instructions.
Stick to soft foods like gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and thin soups for a few days. Avoid straws and smoking as they can affect the healing process. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or feel the site isn't healing right, contact your dentist for a follow-up.