Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to extract one or more of the four molars at the back of the mouth that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Most patients require extraction when wisdom teeth are impacted, crowded, or at risk of infection. Southern Indiana Oral Surgery provides extraction services in New Albany using surgical techniques tailored to tooth position and patient anatomy.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Southern Indiana Oral Surgery
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space in the jaw, causing them to emerge at angles or remain partially trapped beneath the gum line—a condition called impaction. Impacted teeth create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infection, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth. Even teeth that erupt fully can be difficult to clean, increasing decay risk. Orthodontists may also recommend extraction if wisdom teeth crowd other teeth or interfere with bite alignment. Extraction is typically performed in the late teens through early thirties, when bone density is favorable and healing is faster.
The Extraction Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction begins with imaging (panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan) to assess tooth position, root structure, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical site; sedation options (nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia) are available for anxious patients or complex extractions. The surgeon elevates gum tissue, removes bone if necessary to access the tooth, and may section the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Extraction typically takes 20 to 45 minutes per tooth, depending on impaction severity. Sutures close the socket; they dissolve on their own or are removed after one to two weeks.
Recovery Timeline and Aftercare
Swelling and discomfort peak within 48 to 72 hours after extraction, then gradually subside over 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to light activity within three to five days and resume normal diet and exercise within one to two weeks. Pain is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics; ice application in the first 24 hours reduces swelling. Patients must avoid smoking, alcohol, and straw use during the first week, as these behaviors disrupt clot formation and increase infection risk. Dry socket—a painful condition where the blood clot dislodges—occurs in 2 to 5% of extractions and is more common in smokers and those with difficult extractions.
Risks and Complications
Temporary numbness of the lower lip, chin, or tongue occurs in 1 to 2% of cases due to nerve irritation and typically resolves within weeks or months. Infection, excessive bleeding, and jaw stiffness are uncommon when post-operative instructions are followed. Damage to adjacent teeth or sinus membrane is rare but possible, particularly with upper wisdom teeth. Dry socket, mentioned above, is the most frequent complication and is preventable through careful clot protection. Serious complications such as permanent nerve damage or osteonecrosis are very rare in routine extractions performed by trained surgeons.
What You Can Expect at Southern Indiana Oral Surgery
Southern Indiana Oral Surgery evaluates each patient’s tooth position and medical history to determine the safest extraction approach. The team uses digital imaging and sedation protocols to minimize discomfort and surgical time. Pre-operative consultations address patient concerns and clarify recovery expectations. Post-operative follow-up ensures proper healing and allows early detection of any complications. The practice emphasizes clear communication about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.