What Really Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal

If there’s one dental procedure that seems to make everyone a bit nervous, it’s wisdom tooth removal. You’ve probably heard stories from friends, or maybe seen the dramatic TikToks — but the truth is, the process is usually far smoother and more straightforward than people imagine.

Whether you’ve been told you need yours out, or you’re just curious about what’s involved, this guide breaks down exactly what happens before, during, and after wisdom tooth removal — no jargon, no horror stories, just honest advice from your dentist.

Why Wisdom Teeth Sometimes Need to Come Out

Wisdom teeth are your third molars — the last to appear, usually in your late teens or early twenties. For some lucky people, they grow in perfectly fine. For others, they can cause issues like:

• Crowding (pushing other teeth out of alignment)

• Infections or gum inflammation around partially erupted teeth

• Decay in awkward-to-clean areas

• Jaw pain or pressure from teeth that grow sideways

If your dentist spots these kinds of problems — or sees on an X-ray that your wisdom teeth are likely to cause trouble later — they’ll recommend removal before things get painful or complicated.

What Happens During the Procedure

Let’s get into what actually happens when a wisdom tooth is removed — step by step.

1. Getting comfortable
Before anything begins, your dentist or oral surgeon will make sure the area is completely numb with local anaesthetic. Some patients also choose light sedation if they’re feeling anxious, but you’ll still be awake and aware.

2. Gaining access
If your wisdom tooth has fully come through, it’s often as simple as a normal extraction. But if it’s stuck under gum or bone (what we call “impacted”), a tiny incision is made to gently expose it.

3. Removing the tooth
Sometimes the tooth is taken out in one piece; other times, it’s sectioned into smaller pieces so it can be removed with less trauma to the surrounding bone. You won’t feel pain — just a bit of pressure as the dentist works.

4. Cleaning and closing up
Once the tooth is out, the area is cleaned and the gum is usually stitched closed with dissolvable sutures. You’ll bite down on gauze for a short while to help a blood clot form and stop any bleeding.

What to Expect Afterwards

Most people are surprised by how manageable recovery is. You’ll likely feel some mild swelling and tenderness for a few days, which peaks around day two or three. Simple painkillers (and plenty of rest) usually do the trick.

A few golden rules for a smooth recovery:

• Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt for a few days.

• Avoid drinking through a straw (it can dislodge the healing clot).

• Gently rinse with salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean.

• Keep brushing and flossing as normal — just be gentle near the surgical site.

Your dentist will check in with you or see you for a quick follow-up to make sure everything’s healing as it should.

When to Get in Touch

It’s totally normal to have some discomfort and mild swelling — but if you notice severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or swelling that worsens after a few days, give your dentist a call. They can check for infection or “dry socket” and get things sorted quickly.

The Takeaway

Wisdom tooth removal might sound intimidating, but in skilled hands it’s a smooth and routine procedure — often done in less than an hour. The key is to plan it with your dentist, follow the aftercare advice, and give yourself a little TLC while you heal.

At Nova Smiles, we’ve helped hundreds of patients through wisdom tooth removals — and most say they wish they hadn’t worried so much!

If you’re experiencing pain at the back of your mouth, or you’ve been told your wisdom teeth might be impacted, book a consultation and we’ll talk you through your options (and calm any nerves while we’re at it).