Wisdom teeth extraction: gentle care, every step of the way

We understand that even the thought of a dental procedure can cause anxiety. Fear of the dentist is more common than you might think  and it deserves to be met with empathy, understanding, and kindness.

At Clinique Chantepoulet, we do everything possible to ensure each patient feels understood, supported, and reassured before, during, and after a wisdom tooth extraction.

Why talk about extraction?

Wisdom teeth are the last to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes, they lack space or grow in the wrong direction, causing pain, infections, or damage to neighboring teeth. In such cases, extraction is recommended to protect your long-term oral health and comfort.

But don’t worry: every situation is unique, and extraction isn’t always necessary. During your consultation, our team will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and clearly explain the different treatment options.

A procedure you can trust

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common surgical procedures in dentistry. If an extraction is recommended, everything is done to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, which means no pain during the intervention. For more anxious patients, additional options can be considered (deeper sedation, personalized support, etc.).

Our priority is simple: to make you feel at ease, with gentle techniques, a calming environment, and clear explanations every step of the way.

What about after the procedure?

Post-operative effects are usually mild: some swelling, temporary sensitivity, or a few bruises. You’ll receive practical advice, appropriate medication, and above all, our attentive support throughout your recovery.

Afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone.

We’re here for you  without judgment, with patience and respect. It’s okay to be afraid, but more importantly, you deserve care in a calm, gentle, and human environment.

Let’s talk about it. A first appointment, just to have a conversation, could change everything.

What is a wisdom tooth?

A wisdom tooth is a tooth located at the back of the mouth that typically appears between the ages of 17 and 25. It is also known as the third molar and is the last tooth to emerge as part of permanent dentition.

Origin of the name “wisdom tooth”


The name comes from the “mature” age at which these teeth appear. Since they typically erupt when a person is older and presumably wiser, they’ve been associated with wisdom.

When and why should wisdom teeth be removed?

Is extraction always necessary?


Some people experience no particular discomfort or symptoms as their wisdom teeth emerge. Indeed, extraction is not always required if:

  • The wisdom teeth are healthy;

  • They are properly positioned and well-aligned with the opposing teeth;

  • They are easy to access with a toothbrush or dental floss.

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?


Ideally, at-risk wisdom teeth should be removed between the ages of 16 and 18, as the roots are not yet fully developed. This makes extraction easier and greatly reduces the risk of complications. In some cases, all four wisdom teeth may be extracted in one session, especially in adolescents or young adults, when clinical conditions allow.

However, extraction becomes necessary after infections such as pericoronitis or in cases of other problems:

  • Damage to adjacent teeth: When wisdom teeth grow against the second molars, they can cause resorption of those teeth and lead to their loss. Plaque can also accumulate between the wisdom tooth and the second molar, leading to cavities. If the cavity is below the gumline, the second molar may also need to be extracted.

  • Follicular cysts: During formation, a wisdom tooth is enclosed in a membrane called the pericoronal sac. If the tooth remains impacted, this sac can enlarge and form a cyst. These cysts often go unnoticed for years due to the absence of pain, and are frequently discovered incidentally during a dental checkup. However, if left untreated, they can cause significant damage to the jawbone (weakening, fractures, loss of nearby teeth), making surgery more complex.

  • Discomfort or pain: The pain caused by erupting wisdom teeth varies. Sometimes, the discomfort is temporary and the tooth emerges in a good position. But in cases of misaligned wisdom teeth, ulcers may develop on the cheek’s mucosa, causing severe pain and swelling.

  • Gum inflammation: Poorly erupted wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation, making oral hygiene difficult. Inflamed gums must be treated promptly to avoid periodontal disease.

Note: For advanced gum issues, we also perform scaling and root planing procedures at Chantepoulet Clinic.

What purpose do wisdom teeth serve?


Researchers believe wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors, whose diets included hard foods like nuts and raw meat. Their jaws were more developed, allowing space for these extra molars.

Today, our diet has changed significantly. We eat mostly cooked and processed foods and use utensils to cut food into smaller pieces. As a result, our jaws are less prominent and there’s often not enough space for a third molar. Wisdom teeth are thus considered a vestigial part of human evolution.

Recommended age for extraction


There is no fixed age, but extraction is generally done between 18 and 25, when the roots are less developed—making the procedure simpler and reducing complication risks.

Wisdom teeth surgery with confidence: what to expect

Clinical, oral, and radiographic exam


A thorough assessment is carried out, including a 3D cone-beam scan if necessary, especially when the roots are close to the dental nerve, to avoid any risk of damaging the mandibular nerve.

Surgical steps


Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed in a dental office or clinic. After a preliminary consultation and X-rays, the dentist will schedule the surgery. The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.

Local anesthesia: what to know

The procedure is carried out by an experienced dental surgeon and most often done under local anesthesia, which blocks pain while keeping the patient awake and comfortable.

In special cases such as complex extractions or at the patient’s request general anesthesia may be offered. This is done at the clinic in collaboration with a team of anesthesiology and resuscitation professionals. The type of anesthesia is always discussed during the preoperative consultation. Assessing the pros and cons of each option is crucial, especially for anxious patients or those needing multiple extractions in one session. This evaluation should be made in consultation with both the dental surgeon and the anesthetist.

After the procedure:side effects of wisdom teeth extraction

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, side effects typically last around 4 to 5 days. These may include:

  • Bleeding: Follow the surgeon’s instructions—apply pressure with gauze for 15 minutes, avoid spitting or rinsing. If bleeding is heavy, contact Chantepoulet Clinic.

  • Pain: Personalized pain management will be prescribed during your preoperative consultation. Pain may last from 3 to 7 days.

  • Swelling and increased sensitivity: Swelling or discomfort at the extraction site is common. Applying ice can help reduce swelling.

  • Bruising: Temporary bruising may appear on the cheek or neck.

  • Jaw stiffness: Opening and closing the mouth may be more difficult and painful for a few days. Soft foods are recommended during recovery.

For better management of side effects, follow our practical post-extraction care tips, including dietary suggestions and other helpful recommendations.

Preparation and aftercare

Preoperative precautions


Before the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions to reduce complication risks. Avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand and wear comfortable clothing. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you may feel drowsy or disoriented

Wisdom teeth extraction in summary

To summarize, wisdom teeth extraction is often key to maintaining good oral health. It significantly reduces the risk of future dental problems such as:

  • Periodontal disease

  • Tooth decay

  • Damage to nearby teeth

  • Misalignment issues

Not sure whether your teenager needs their wisdom teeth removed?
Don’t hesitate contact Chantepoulet Dental Clinic today. We’re here for you, with no judgment—just patience, kindness, and respect. It’s okay to be afraid, but it’s more important to receive care in a calm, gentle, and supportive environment.