Doctor explains Wisdom Tooth Removal

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains wisdom tooth removal.

What is wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom tooth removal involves taking out one or more of the back molars—often due to pain, swelling, infections, or lack of space for them to grow properly. If they’re impacted or only partially emerged, they can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, or cysts. When these issues arise, a dentist or specialist may recommend removing the troublesome tooth.

How does wisdom tooth removal happen?

The procedure typically uses local anaesthetic (plus sedation or general anaesthetic if needed). It usually takes only a few minutes, though more complex extractions can last longer. Recovery varies, but most people can return to their normal routine within a few days; expect some pain, swelling, or bruising in the first week. Following aftercare instructions—like eating soft foods, gently rinsing the area, and avoiding smoking—helps speed up healing. While complications such as dry socket, infection, or nerve damage can occur, they are not common and are usually manageable with proper care.

Content and timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
00:08 - What is a wisdom tooth?
01:07 - Wisdom tooth removal procedure
02:20 - Recovery from wisdom tooth removal
04:12 - Wisdom tooth removal complications

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Further information:

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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O'Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O'Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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[LouiseGeddes-nn]

Had a wisdom tooth out on Monday and this video helped a lot. Feeling numbness in lip / teeth / tongue but good to know that’s normal and will hopefully heal in a few weeks.

[markPwilliams]

My sister Susan has stage 4 Breast cancer as diagnosis with mets to lymph nodes, liver and lung and later developed a rare form call Medullary thyroid cancer, she have just 2 years to live and she never been this scared to die, she just 35, i cry everyday wishing for a miracle to happen. i don't know why im saying this here. put me in your prayers.

[Felicity]

I had mine out under a GA it was Christmas time and all my food had to be puréed. Bless my MIL she puréed each individual food item.
Mine were really impacted and painful. They thought I would suffer some paralysis on the bottom that would affect my lip as the nerve had gone over it but I had a skilled surgeon and it was all good.🎄

[doudyR]

Informative talk, can you please comment on
Lingual nerve injury due to extraction

[aspieantics]

ive got one of those nasty lil buggers growing in the top left side of my mouth and it keeps pinching my cheek. looking to book an appointment to get it dealt with and i appreciate the insight on the process 🙏

[devilkid]

Thank you for the info, just had 2 removed, impacted and 1 infected. Im a Suboxone patient the last 5+ years and was worried about the pain and the dentist being deterred to give me pain medication for the procedure even though my Suboxone doctor said it was ok, and I was ok with it. the procedure was quick and painless, I went under and woke up happy as a clam. Was only given Tylenol and Motrin for the pain and kind of panicked once the numbness started wearing off and even called the dentist asking what to do and he just told me to take the Suboxone sooner. I did just that and the pain was gone. Ive been feeling fine at the end of day 2 now. Really no pain, more discomfort. Definitely did not need any opiates for the pain. I am babying the whole side of my mouth and only eating warm soup. Hoping tomorrow I can eat some solid foods. Am still scared of a dry socket but hopefully im ok. honestly the stories I read to prepare for the procedure have been worse than the procedure and recovery. Just get it done and don't worry about. It's a simple quick procedure and as long as you take the time to recover and don't eat potato chips the day after you should be fine.

[salemas]

In lithuania dentists usually advice and remove them just to prevent further problems. Mine were removed almost as soon as they grew in my 20s. They did local anaesthesia, and yanked them out, didnt feel a thing, only little bit of pressure. One was problematic, because it grew almost sideways and pressured other teeth, so that one was removed by surgeon by cutting it in pieces. All was done two - three weeks apart after each tooth and most of that time all ive eaten was wide variety of yoghurts.

[MisWalker]

I have wisdom tooth both up and down, not that hurts, watching this vid, so thanks,

[josejoya]

What are the future problems that may occur? What happens to the void from where the wisdon tooth us to sit? Are the nerves removed when the teeth are pulled?

[mitchellshana]

Very informative my daughter gets all 4 taken out tomorrow she’s only 14 . But I’m 47 and still have mine in been trying to get. Them out for the longest they get sore or swollen every now and then. So how can I convince my dentist to let me get them. Since we don’t even use them so I wonder why it comes in?

[dannycarter]

Ian hear shyt else but I can’t smoke for 3 days after 😑

[irenasmart]

Been there.... Got the T'shirt.... Hospital extraction.... 😭

[mamtabhargava]

If there is horizontal impaction with decay, Can we not fill it by any means. If the patient is anxious then what can be done alternatively? My patient has a horizontal impaction with a decayed crown portion. What can be done other than extraction? Please guide.

[JonathanGraham-ld]

Can impacted wisdom teeth cause vision problems?

[puppyprince]

So I’m 12-13 and my wisdom tooth is coming in on my upper right side. My mom said that I’m gonna get them all removed just incase, and I’m really scared.

[mrsgilescarvin]

If i just get numbed can i drive afterwards

[dingus_]

I'm getting mine out tomorrow andi have a question- they just leave the hole in your jaw? Why dint they put like bone paste or something to fill it in?

[clonexofficial]

I do have diagnosed with mild mitral regruatation.. and now my wisdom tooth have been damage and it torture me every night .. too much pain... What can i do? Please help me