Wisdom teeth are the most common reason young adults in Bangalore end up in an oral surgeon’s chair. The good news is that a well-planned extraction is far less dramatic than its reputation — and most people are back at work the next day.
Does every wisdom tooth need to be removed?
No. A wisdom tooth that has erupted fully, is in a normal position, bites correctly against the opposing tooth and can be cleaned properly can be left alone indefinitely.
Removal is generally advised when the tooth is:
- Impacted — stuck against the tooth in front, or trapped under bone or gum.
- Causing repeated infection (pericoronitis) — the gum flap over a partly erupted tooth traps food and bacteria.
- Damaging the second molar — a horizontally angled wisdom tooth can erode the root of a perfectly healthy neighbour.
- Decayed beyond restoration — the back of the mouth is hard to clean and hard to fill.
- Associated with a cyst on the X-ray.
What it costs in Bangalore
Cost depends almost entirely on how the tooth is positioned. A tooth that is fully out and can be lifted is a simple extraction; one buried under bone at an angle is a surgical procedure.
| Type | Typical Bangalore range |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction — upper wisdom tooth | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Simple extraction — lower wisdom tooth | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Surgical / impacted extraction | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 |
| OPG X-ray or CBCT scan | ₹500 – ₹3,000 |
Lower wisdom teeth generally cost more than upper ones because the bone is denser and the roots are more often curved or close to the nerve.
How much does it actually hurt?
During the procedure: it should not hurt. Local anaesthesia is given until the area is completely numb, and you will feel pressure and movement but not pain. If you feel anything sharp, the answer is more anaesthetic — tell the surgeon.
Afterwards: expect soreness rather than severe pain. Most patients describe day one and day two as the peak, managed comfortably with prescribed pain relief. Swelling usually peaks around 48 hours and then settles.
Recovery timeline
- First 24 hours — a blood clot forms in the socket. Do not rinse vigorously, spit forcefully or use a straw. Protecting this clot is the single most important thing you can do.
- Days 2–3 — swelling peaks and starts to reduce. Ice packs on the cheek in the first 24–48 hours help.
- Days 3–5 — most simple extractions feel largely normal.
- 1–2 weeks — surgical extractions settle fully; sutures, if placed, are usually removed around day seven.
Dry socket — and how to avoid it
A dry socket happens when the clot is dislodged and bone is exposed. It is genuinely painful and typically shows up around day three as pain that is getting worse rather than better. The main risk factors are smoking, using straws and vigorous rinsing. Avoiding all three for the first few days dramatically reduces the risk.
What to eat
Soft, cool and unspiced for the first day or two — curd rice, khichdi, smoothies (spooned, not through a straw), soups once they are no longer hot. Chew on the opposite side and return to normal food as comfort allows.
Wisdom tooth causing trouble?
An OPG X-ray and a ten-minute assessment will tell you whether it needs to come out now, later, or at all.
Book an appointment Ask on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Can I go to work the day after wisdom tooth removal?
For a simple extraction, usually yes. For a surgical or impacted removal, plan for one to two days of rest, particularly if your work is physically demanding.
Should I remove all four wisdom teeth at once?
It is possible and saves repeat recovery periods, but it also means a more uncomfortable few days. Removing them one side at a time lets you chew on the other side throughout. Both approaches are valid.
Is the nerve damage risk serious?
Temporary numbness of the lip or tongue occurs in a small number of lower wisdom tooth cases and usually resolves. Permanent injury is rare. A CBCT scan beforehand lets the surgeon see exactly how close the roots sit to the nerve and plan accordingly.
Can I get it removed while I have an active infection?
Often the infection is settled first with antibiotics, because anaesthesia works less predictably in acutely inflamed tissue. Your surgeon will judge this case by case.
Read more about Maxillofacial Surgery in Malleswaram at Dr Utkarsha's Esthetic Centre.
MDS, DNB (AFMC, Pune) · FICOI (USA) · Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (Germany) · Dip. Medical Trichology — Dr Utkarsha's Esthetic Centre, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a clinical examination or personalised medical advice. Treatment options, timelines and costs vary from person to person. Prices quoted are indicative market ranges for Bangalore and not a quotation — please contact the clinic for an assessment specific to your case.
