Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are the last set of teeth to appear, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they come in smoothly and never cause trouble. For many others, however, wisdom teeth can be painful, swollen, and problematic. At The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai, we often see patients walking in with exactly this concern: “My wisdom tooth is hurting and swollen — do I need to get it removed?”

The short answer is: not always, but sometimes removal is the best solution. Let’s break this down so you know what’s happening in your mouth and when to seek help.

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Why do wisdom teeth hurt?

Pain in your wisdom teeth can occur for several reasons:

• Impaction: The tooth doesn’t have enough room to emerge and gets stuck under the gums or jawbone.
• Infection (Pericoronitis): Food and bacteria get trapped under the gum flap around a partially erupted tooth, leading to swelling and infection.
• Decay or cavities: Wisdom teeth are at the back, making them harder to clean, so they often develop cavities.
• Pressure on neighboring teeth: A wisdom tooth pushing against the molar in front can cause jaw pain, crowding, or even damage to the adjacent tooth.

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Is it an infection?

If your wisdom tooth area feels swollen, tender, or red, and especially if you notice:

• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Pus or discharge.
• Swelling in the jaw or face.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• Fever or general unwell feeling.

…then there’s a strong chance infection is present. In such cases, it’s best not to delay a visit to your dentist.

At The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Dr. Mohit Bodhwani, our principal endodontist, often sees patients with wisdom tooth infections. Early intervention — like cleaning the area, prescribing medication, or deciding if extraction is necessary — helps prevent serious complications.

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Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not necessarily. At our clinic in Khar West, Mumbai, we evaluate each case carefully:

• If your wisdom tooth is healthy, properly aligned, and doesn’t cause pain, it may not need removal.
• If it’s partially erupted and prone to recurring infection, extraction may be recommended.
• If it’s impacted, damaging other teeth, or causing crowding, removal is usually the safest option.

When orthodontic treatment is involved, Dr. Shaili Shah Bodhwani, our orthodontist, will also assess whether wisdom tooth removal is necessary to create space or avoid shifting teeth.

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What is the process like?

Many patients fear wisdom tooth extractions, but with today’s modern dentistry, the procedure is safe and surprisingly comfortable. At The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, our specialists use advanced techniques and local anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort.

Depending on the complexity, the tooth may be removed in a single visit. In more challenging cases, we collaborate with oral surgeons for surgical extraction. Aftercare instructions and follow-ups ensure smooth recovery.

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How long is recovery?

• Most people recover within 3–7 days.
• Mild swelling and soreness are normal.
• Sticking to a soft diet, avoiding smoking, and following care instructions speed up healing.

Our team, including Dr. Manoj Bodhwani, prosthodontist and co-founder, ensures that if wisdom tooth removal impacts your bite or chewing, restorative solutions are planned seamlessly.

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Final thoughts

Wisdom tooth pain is common, but it’s not something to ignore. The sooner you consult with our team at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai, the sooner we can relieve your discomfort and protect your oral health.

Whether your tooth needs cleaning, medication, or extraction, you’re in expert hands with Dr. Mohit Bodhwani, Dr. Shaili Shah Bodhwani, and Dr. Manoj Bodhwani.