Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the late teens and mid-twenties. For some people they come in straight and healthy. For many others, there simply is not enough room, and they cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. At Olive Branch Dental Columbus, we monitor wisdom teeth closely and help patients decide if and when removal makes sense. With students home on fall and winter breaks, now is a good time to plan ahead.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Human jaws have become smaller over time, but we still develop the same number of teeth. When the last molars try to erupt, they may get stuck below the gums or come in at an angle. These are called impacted wisdom teeth. Partially erupted teeth leave a flap of gum where food and bacteria get trapped, leading to infection.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Attention

• Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums behind the last molars
• Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that will not go away
• Food getting stuck behind the back teeth
• Crowding or shifting of other teeth
• Headaches or earaches linked to jaw discomfort

Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, which is why X-rays during regular checkups are so important.

When Is Removal Recommended?

We may recommend removal if wisdom teeth are impacted, repeatedly infected, causing decay or gum disease on neighboring molars, forming a cyst, or impossible to keep clean. Removing them in the late teens or early twenties is often easier, because the roots are not fully formed and healing tends to be faster. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and easy to clean, we may simply keep an eye on them.

What Happens During Extraction

Before surgery, we review X-rays to see the position of each tooth and its roots. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and sedation options can help anxious patients relax. Teeth that have fully erupted may be removed much like any other tooth, while impacted teeth may require a small opening in the gum. Complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon.

Recovery Tips

• Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Control bleeding: Bite gently on gauze and replace it as needed.
• Reduce swelling: Use a cold compress on the cheek in 15–20 minute intervals during the first day.
• Protect the clot: Avoid straws, spitting, and smoking for several days to lower the risk of dry socket.
• Eat soft foods: Yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), mashed potatoes, soup, and scrambled eggs work well.
• Keep it clean: After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
• Manage pain: Take medication as directed by your dentist.

Most people feel much better within a few days and return to normal activities within a week.

When to Call Us

Contact us if you have severe pain that gets worse after three or four days, fever, bleeding that will not stop, pus, or swelling that increases instead of improving.

Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation

Whether you have pain now or just want to know what your wisdom teeth are doing, we can help. Call Olive Branch Dental Columbus at (812) 516-5777 or visit 2459 W Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201.