Wisdom teeth orthird molarThese are the third molars that erupt last, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they erupt last, wisdom teeth often don't have enough space in the jaw. As a result, they grow crooked, become stuck in the gums (impacted), or press against surrounding teeth.

This condition often triggers severe pain, swelling, and even infection. Therefore, the procedurewisdom teeth removalis often the best medical solution to prevent more serious oral health complications.

For those of you who are planning or have been advised by your dentist to undergo this procedure, here is a complete guide regarding the process, effects, costs, and recovery period after wisdom teeth extraction.

What are the effects of having wisdom teeth removed?

Some people worry about the side effects or long-term effects of wisdom teeth removal. Generally, these effects can be divided into short-term post-surgery effects and long-term positive effects on oral health.

1. Short-Term Effects (Post-Procedure)

Every minor surgical procedure requires a period of adjustment for the body. Some common reactions you might experience during the first few days include:

• Pain and Swelling:Swelling in the cheek or gum area is the body's natural response to surgery. Pain usually peaks within the first 24–48 hours and can be relieved with pain relievers prescribed by your doctor.
• Light Bleeding:Minor bleeding at the site of the tooth extraction is normal for the first 24 hours. Your doctor will usually ask you to bite on a sterile gauze pad to help the blood clot.
• Jaw Stiffness (Mouth Cramps):You may find it a little difficult to open your mouth wide (trismus) for several days due to stretching of the jaw muscles.

2. Long-Term Effects (Positive Impacts)

Removing problematic wisdom teeth provides enormous health benefits:

• Freedom from Chronic Pain:Eliminates the source of pain due to impaction or gum infection (pericoronitis).
• Preventing Tooth Decay in Neighbors:Crooked wisdom teeth often push against second molars, causing cavities or root displacement.
• Maintaining Neat Teeth:Prevent front teeth from becoming crowded (crowding) due to a push from behind.
• Reducing the Risk of Jaw Cysts:Wisdom teeth trapped in the jaw can form cysts that can potentially damage the jawbone.

How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?

The duration of wisdom teeth removal surgery varies depending on the level of difficulty and the position of the tooth in the jaw.

• Normal Extraction (Without Impaction):If the wisdom teeth have grown perfectly outside the gums and are not crooked, the simple extraction process only takes about15 to 30 minutes.
• Surgical Extraction / Odontectomy (Impacted Teeth):If a tooth is completely trapped in the gum or crookedly embedded in the jawbone, an oral surgeon will need to perform minor surgery. This procedure involves cutting open the gums and sometimes dividing the tooth into several small pieces before removal. The time required is generally between30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Before the procedure begins, the doctor will administer anesthesia (local or general anesthesia) so that you will not feel pain during the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The cost of wisdom teeth extraction varies greatly depending on several key factors, such as the location of the procedure (private clinic, specialist clinic, or hospital), the level of difficulty of the case, the type of anesthesia, and the specialist classification of the treating doctor.

The following is a general overview of estimated costs in Indonesia:

Pwisdom teeth surgery procedure (odontectomy) due to medical indications (such as impaction causing infection or pain) can generally be covered by BPJS Health or private insurance, as long as the applicable referral procedures from the first level health facility (FKTP) are followed.

How Many Days Does It Take to Heal After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

The recovery period after wisdom teeth extraction is divided into several phases:

1. First 24–48 Hours:Blood clots begin to form in the gum cavity (socket) to stop the bleeding. The pain and swelling are at their peak.
2. Day 3 to 7:Cheek swelling and jaw stiffness gradually subside. The external gum wound begins to close. If non-absorbable sutures were used, they are usually removed on the 7th day.
3. 1 to 2 Weeks:Most patients can return to normal activities without pain, and their gums feel much more comfortable.
4. 1 to 3 Months:Complete recovery of the jawbone tissue under the gums can take up to several months.

In general, you need time7 to 14 daysto completely recover from external gum wounds and be able to chew food comfortably again.

Tips to Speed ​​Up Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

So that the healing process runs smoothly and avoids complications such asdry socket(inflammation due to the release of a blood clot), follow these tips:

• Cold compress:Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 15–20 minutes in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
• Choose Soft Foods:Consume soft textured foods such as porridge, warm soup, yogurt, or juice for the first few days.
• Avoid Using Straws:The suction pressure when using a straw can dislodge blood clots in the gums and trigger rebleeding.
• Do not smoke:Cigarette smoke and chemicals can slow recovery and increase the risk of infection.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene:Continue brushing your teeth gently, but avoid brushing the scar area directly for the first 2–3 days.

Conclusion

Wisdom tooth extraction is a safe and highly effective medical procedure to prevent long-term tooth damage. While there may be some discomfort after surgery, recovery usually only takes about 1 to 2 weeks. If you experience severe pain behind your jaw, consult your dentist immediately for an X-ray (panoramic) and proper handling.