Should decayed wisdom teeth be extracted? This is a question many people wonder when experiencing dull pain in the innermost jaw area. Wisdom teeth, or teeth number 8, often grow crooked, are difficult to clean and are susceptible to decay. When wisdom teeth are damaged, they not only cause pain but also pose a potential risk of affecting adjacent teeth and overall health. The article below will help you understand clearly when you should have your wisdom teeth extracted, why you should do it, and how the extraction process is safe and painless.
If you want to learn more about whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth extracted, you can refer to the knowledge-sharing video from the doctor here:
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known astooth number 8, are the last teeth to grow in the jaw, usually appearing between the ages of 17–25. Even though it is called "wisdom", this is the tooth that causes the most problems in the oral cavity.
A common question that is often asked is:"When wisdom teeth are decayed, should they be removed or not?"The answer is:Not always required, but if your wisdom teeth are decayed,Extraction is often recommended by dentiststo prevent dangerous complications.
Unlike other teeth,Wisdom teeth often do not have a clear chewing function. When infected with worms, they become a nest of bacteria with many potential risks:
1. Difficult to clean, susceptible to decay and causes gingivitis
Wisdom teeth are located deep in the same jaw, close to the cheek, making brushing and cleaning difficult. Food can easily get stuck in this position, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.cause tooth decay andgingivitis.In addition, bacteria can also cause itbad breath, affecting confidence in communication.
2. Risk of decay spreading to tooth number 7
Tooth number 7 ismain chewing teeth, plays an important role in grinding food. WhenWisdom teeth are decayed, bacteria easily spread to tooth number 7, doHealthy teeth are also damaged, even early tooth loss. Thus, not only the wisdom teeth are affected, but also the overall chewing ability is reduced.
3. Difficult to treat endodontically, easy to relapse
Wisdom teeth are presentComplex tooth root shape, root canals are often small, narrow, curved, and even twisted. JobRoot canal treatment of wisdom teeth(endodontics) is difficult, expensive andDoes not guarantee long-term effectiveness. In many cases, treatment only provides temporary pain relief butRecurrence of tooth decay still occurs, causing the patient to have the tooth extracted later.

Wisdom teeth often do not have a clear chewing function, so when they become decayed, they become a nest of bacteria with many potential risks.
Not removing wisdom teeth at the right time can lead to:many serious complications:
- Gingivitis: When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt, part of the gums will cover them and become easily infected, causing swelling and pain.
- Inflammation around the crown of the tooth: Bacteria accumulate in the wisdom tooth root area, causing infection, pus, and evencauses fever and pain spreading to the ears and neck.
- Affects whole body health: Infection from wisdom teeth can spread to nearby areas such as the jawbone and lymph nodes, causingfatigue, insomnia and decreased resistance.
These complications not only affect the teeth but also have a negative impact on the teethoverall health, especially in people with weak immune systems.

When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt, a portion of the gums will cover them and become susceptible to infection, causing painful swelling
Signs of wisdom tooth decay
To handle it promptly, you need to pay attentionsigns of wisdom tooth decayhereafter:
- Appeardeep holesmall on the chewing surface or side of tooth number 8
- Black, brown or gray dotsabnormalities in teeth
- Pain when eating hot, cold, sour or sweet foods
- Feelingdull or constant pain, spreads to the ears or to the lower jaw
- Bad breath, gingivitis in the wisdom tooth area
If you have one or more of the above signs, go to the dentistExamination and X-rays of wisdom teethas soon as possible.
The process of removing decayed wisdom teeth is safe and painless at Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic
With the development of dental technology and techniques, proceduresdeep wisdom tooth extractiontoday has become much safer and offers a much gentler experience.
1. In-depth examination and imaging diagnosis
This is the fundamental step that determines the success of the treatment.
- Imaging diagnosis:The patient will be assigned to have an X-ray (panorex Panorex or CT Cone Beam 3D) to comprehensively evaluate the following factors: the level of deep damage, tooth root morphology, growth direction and correlation with important anatomical structures such as the mandibular nerve and maxillary sinus.
- Treatment planning:Based on diagnostic data, the doctor will develop a detailed, personalized tooth extraction plan for each patient to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.
- Sterility:The entire oral cavity and intervention area are strictly disinfected according to the standards of the Ministry of Health.
- Effective anesthesia:The doctor performs local and regional anesthesia using advanced techniques, ensuring the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. The initial sensation is often described as "like an ant bite" and quickly disappears.
- Minimal intervention:Instead of using traditional tools that can cause trauma, modern dentists prefer to use the Piezotome ultrasonic surgical machine. This technology uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to selectively break periodontal ligaments, helping to gently remove teeth and maximally preserve the surrounding bone structure. The tooth socket will then be cleaned and sutured to promote healing.
After tooth extraction, you need to strictly follow the care instructions:
- Bite the cotton tightlyfor 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding
- Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or spitin 24–48 hours
- Take medicinespain reliever and antibioticaccording to doctor's prescription
- Eat soft, cold foods, avoid hot, spicy, crunchy foods
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholfor at least 1 week
- Re-examine if there are unusual signs such as prolonged pain, heavy bleeding, or large swelling

Bite on cotton for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding after tooth decay
Although extraction is advised in most cases, it is notall wisdom teeth are decayedmust all be eliminated. Doctor orderedPreserve teethIf:
- Wisdom teethgrow straight, not pinchedother teeth
- Depth levelLightweight, can be filled and restored
- There is no infection, does not affect tooth number 7
- There areopposite teeth that fit welland are cleaned well every day
However, these cases are rare and need to becarefully monitored periodicallyto promptly handle if the decay progresses.
If you or your aunt or uncle have any signs of wisdom teeth such as pain, cavities, or the need for tooth implants using this method implant Don't have any questions related to wisdom tooth extraction,don't hesitate to contact Lac Viet Intech Dental for timely examination, consultation and treatment support. time.
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 An
- Hai Phong:107 To Hieu, Le Chan, Hai Phong City