When is it necessary to have wisdom teeth extracted? Don't ignore danger signs

Tran Hoai Nam
20/10/2026
Nguyễn Ngọc Bảo

Professional Consulting

D. Nguyễn Ngọc Bảo

Dentist

Growing wisdom teeth is an experience that most of us face during adulthood. Growing wisdom teeth causes pain, inflammation and many dangerous complications. This process is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as pain, inflammation, even fever and jaw stiffness. This article will provide a comprehensive and accurate view of wisdom teeth, helping you recognize important signs and understand why removing wisdom teeth at the right time is a necessary decision to protect long-term health.

If you want to learn more about the signs and appropriate time to remove wisdom teeth, you can refer to the knowledge-sharing video from the doctor here:

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as teeth number 8, are the third molars and the last teeth to grow on each person's jaw, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. The name "wisdom teeth" comes from the fact that they grow at a young age. age is considered when a person is mature enough and grown up.

Răng khôn hay mọc lệch vì không gian còn lại trên cung hàm thường không đủ để răng khôn mọc lên một cách bình thường

Wisdom teeth often grow crookedly because the remaining space in the jaw is often not enough for wisdom teeth to grow normally

However, it is this last growth that is the source of most problems. At this age, the jaw bone has stopped growing and is stable in size. The remaining space in the jaw is often not enough for wisdom teeth to grow normally. As a result, wisdom teeth tend to:

  • Misaligned growth:Teeth grow at an angle, piercing the adjacent tooth No. 7.
  • Impacted growth:Teeth are located completely under the gums and in the jawbone.
  • Impacted growth:Teeth can only partially emerge, the rest is still covered by the gums (gingival overgrowth).

These abnormal conditions are the direct cause of a series of unpleasant symptoms and complex dental complications.

Four typical signs of wisdom teeth growing

When wisdom teeth begin to grow, the body will have clear reactions.Early recognition of thesesigns will help you and your family be proactive in examination and treatment.

Pain in the innermost area of ​​the jaw and gums

This is the most common and easily noticeable symptom.The pain comes from the wisdom teeth being crowded, putting pressure on the gums, jawbone and adjacent teeth.

The level of pain can range from dull, long-lasting, causing constant discomfort, to severe, sharp pain, especially when chewing. This pain is the first signal indicating the presence and movement of wisdom teeth.

Swelling and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)

For wisdom teeth to emerge, the upper gum must separate to make room. This process creates a gap between the gum and tooth surface, called gum recession. This is an ideal trap for bacteria and food debris.

When not thoroughly cleaned, this area will quickly become infected, causing redness, swelling, pain and possibly pus.This medical condition is called gingivitis, a very common complication of impacted wisdom teeth.

Mọc răng khôn có thể kèm theo sưng và viêm lợi

Wisdom teeth can be accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the gums

Jaw stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth and pain when speaking and swallowing

When the inflammation caused by wisdom teeth becomes severe, it can spread to the soft tissues and muscles surrounding the jaw. This leads to symptoms of jaw stiffness, making opening the mouth difficult and painful.

Patients may feel very inconvenient in eating and daily communication. In severe cases, there may be swelling in the cheeks and lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw, which are signs that the infection is spreading.

Khi tình trạng viêm nhiễm do mọc răng khôn trở nên nghiêm trọng, nó có thể lan sang các mô mềm và cơ xung quanh hàm

When the inflammation caused by wisdom teeth becomes severe, it can spread to the soft tissues and muscles around the jaw

Mild fever, headache and general fatigue

Wisdom teeth growth is an inflammatory process, the body will respond by increasing body temperature, causing a mild fever (usually from 37.5 - 38°C). Pain that lasts from 3 to 7 days combined with fever can make the body tired and weak. 

In particular, due to the complex facial nerve system, pain from wisdom teeth can spread to the ear, temple and cause headaches, seriously affecting the quality of life and work.

When is it necessary to examine and remove wisdom teeth?

As soon as you notice one or more of the above signs, you should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Self-diagnosis at home cannot determine the danger of wisdom teeth.

At the dentist, the first and most important step is to take an X-ray. X-rays provide clear images of:

  • The exact position of the wisdom tooth in the jawbone.
  • The direction of tooth growth (straight growth, deviated growth, impacted growth).
  • The relationship with the adjacent tooth number 7 (does it penetrate the root of tooth number 7).
  • The relationship with important anatomical structures such as nerves.

Chụp X-quang để đánh giá rõ về chỉ định nhổ răng khôn

X-ray to clearly assess the indication for wisdom tooth extraction

Based on the examination results Clinical examination and X-ray film, the doctor will give exact indications. Wisdom teeth extraction is necessary in the following cases:

  • Wisdom teeth grow crookedly or underground, causing pain and recurrent infections.
  • Wisdom teeth cause damage, cavities or loose teeth number 7.
  • Wisdom teeth cause complications such as hooded gingivitis and jaw bone cysts.
  • Wisdom teeth need to be extracted to create space for orthodontic braces.

Treatment methods and pain relief measures

Dental treatment during the acute inflammation stage

In case you go to the dentist when you have a severe infection (large swelling, pus, jaw stiffness), the doctor may not proceed with tooth extraction immediately. Intervening in an acute inflammatory focus risks spreading the infection further. Instead, the treatment plan will be:

  1. Prescription of internal medicine:The doctor will prescribe medication including antibiotics to fight infection, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to control acute symptoms.
  2. On-site cleaning:The doctor may perform irrigation and cleaning of the gum area to remove pus and food debris.
  3. Appointment for tooth extraction:After the inflammation has stabilized (usually after a few day of taking the medicine), the doctor will proceed to extract the wisdom tooth.

Measures to relieve pain at home 

While waiting to go to the dentist or during the treatment of acute inflammation, you can apply some of the following measures to reduce discomfort. Note: This is only a temporary solution and cannot replace medical treatment.

  • Gargling with warm salt water:Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, gargle gently 2-3 times a day to help clean and gently disinfect the mouth area.
  • Hot/cold compress:Apply cold compress on the outside of the cheek for 15-20 minutes to help constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and pain. Hot compresses help dissolve hematomas and reduce muscle spasms.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers:You can use drugs such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen according to the dosage instructions, but it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Diet:Prioritize soft, liquid, easy-to-swallow foods such as porridge, soup, smoothies. Avoid foods that are tough, hard, too hot or too cold so as not to irritate the painful tooth area.

Don't delay wisdom tooth extraction

Many people tend to let the pain pass and delay going to the dentist. This is a misconception and dangerous. Home remedies only help reduce surface symptoms, while impacted wisdom teeth still silently cause serious damage:

  • Destroy tooth number 7:This is the most common and unfortunate complication. Wisdom teeth growing obliquely will pierce the root of tooth number 7, causing tooth decay, pulpitis and even root resorption, leading to the risk of losing tooth number 7.
  • Gingivitis, chronic periodontitis:Repeated gingival overgrowth will cause chronic infection, leading to jaw bone loss around wisdom teeth and tooth number 7.
  • Dislocation of the entire tooth:Pressure from misaligned wisdom teeth can push the entire tooth system forward. front, causing crowding, bite misalignment, affecting aesthetics and chewing function.
  • Formation of jawbone cysts:In some cases, pathological cysts can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. This cyst will grow larger, silently destroying the jawbone.

If customers want to have dental implants If you don't know which unit to choose, you can come to Lac Viet Intech right away!

For detailed examination and advice on your dental condition, as well as early detection of signs of wisdom tooth extraction, make an appointment with the team of experienced experts at Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic today! 

 

  • Hotline:0866.38.0033 (or 1900.6421)

 

Lac Viet Intech Dental branch system:

 

  • TP. HCM:No. 90 - 92 Ngo Gia Tu, Ward 9, District 10, City. HCM
  • Hanoi:
  • No. 91 Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  • No. 168 Lang Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
  • No. 426 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
  • No. 27 Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
  • Nghe An:No. 24 Cao Thang, Hong Son Ward, Vinh City, Nghe An
  • Hai Phong:107 To Hieu, Le Chan, Hai Phong City

 

 

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