The most common treatment for wisdom tooth problems is removal (extraction). Experts disagree about when to remove an impacted wisdom tooth that is not causing obvious symptoms or problems.

Some oral surgeons believe that it is best to remove an impacted wisdom tooth before a person is 20 years old to prevent future problems.
Some dentists think it is best to wait and remove an impacted wisdom tooth only if there is a problem.
Studies have found little benefit for removing an impacted wisdom tooth that was free from disease or not causing problems.
Experts also disagree about removing disease-free wisdom teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth that are causing problems usually should be extracted. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon or your dentist can remove wisdom teeth.

What To Think About
After a wisdom tooth is removed, you may experience:

Pain and swelling in your gums and tooth socket where the tooth was removed.
Bleeding that won't stop.
Difficulty with or pain from opening your jaw (trismus).
Slow-healing gums.
Damage to dental work, such as crowns or bridges, or to roots of a nearby tooth.
A painful inflammation called dry socket.
Numbness in your mouth and lips after the local anesthetic wears off, due to injury or inflammation of nerves in the jaw. Numbness will usually go away, but in rare cases it may be permanent.

Dental surgery may cause bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. People who have difficulty fighting off infections may need to take antibiotics before and after dental surgery. This includes those who:

Have damaged or artificial heart valves.
Were born with heart defects.
Have an impaired immune system.
Have liver disease (cirrhosis).
Have artificial joints, such as a hip replacement.
Have endocarditis.

Home Treatment
If a wisdom tooth is impacted or is emerging and causing problems, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. While you are waiting for treatment, you can relieve pain and swelling with home treatment.

Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Apply it for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Do not use heat or put an aspirin directly on your gums. Aspirin can damage your gums.

Your dentist or surgeon may prescribe antibiotics if an infection has developed. Be sure to take them for the entire time prescribed.

Healing the infection before the tooth is removed makes the extraction procedure easier and will decrease the risk of problems after surgery.

After you have had a wisdom tooth extracted, the recovery period in most cases is only a few days. Take painkillers as recommended. To help speed recovery and prevent complications, such as a dry socket, take the following steps.

Change cotton gauzes before they become soaked with blood.

Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery because it may wash away clots and delay the healing process. On the day after surgery, very gently rinse your mouth for 10 minutes with warm salt water every 2 to 3 hours. This will reduce swelling, relieve pain, and clean the area.

Relax and get plenty of rest after surgery. Strenuous physical activity may increase bleeding.

After the numbness is gone, drink only clear liquids and eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or thin soup. Avoid hot liquids, alcoholic beverages, and hard, sticky foods. Gradually add more solid foods to your diet as healing progresses. Try not to chew in the areas where your tooth was extracted.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink through a straw. These activities could dislodge the clot and delay healing.

Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Some swelling after tooth removal is normal.

Do not lie flat. This may cause you to bleed longer. Prop up your head with pillows.

Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or fingers.

Continue to brush your other teeth and tongue carefully with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid brushing around the extraction area.