Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually erupt between ages 17 and 25, and in many cases there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly. This can lead to pain, infections, and other issues that make extraction necessary.
Signs there may be a problem
- Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth.
- Swelling of the gum around the tooth.
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the area.
- Neighboring teeth starting to shift.
Why is extraction often recommended?
When a wisdom tooth becomes partially or fully trapped under the gum or bone (impaction), it can lead to infections, cysts, cavities in the neighboring tooth, or alignment problems. In these cases, extraction prevents bigger complications down the line.
What does recovery look like?
Most patients recover within 3 to 7 days by following these tips:
- Apply cold locally for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Stick to a soft, cold diet for the first few days.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing, straws, and smoking.
- Take prescribed medication as directed by your dentist.
If you experience severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or fever after the procedure, contact the office right away.
Book Your Appointment in Bogotá
At Dr. Ibett Escobar’s dental practice, in Puente Aranda (Cra. 43 # 5-53, Bogotá DC), we have spent more than 25 years caring for our patients’ oral health and smiles. If you’d like a personalized evaluation, call or WhatsApp us at +57 302 838 9396, or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.