Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does this solve?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. For most adults, the jaw simply doesn't have room for them — so they erupt partially, sideways, or stay trapped under the gum. The result can be anything from a constant dull ache, to swollen gums, to a damaged neighbouring molar, to a full-blown infection that travels into the cheek or throat.

At Smile Dental Kondapur, three patterns drive most wisdom tooth visits: young professionals who've had intermittent pain for months, parents booking consults for 18-22 year olds during semester breaks, and patients whose general dentist has said "this tooth needs to come out" and are looking for a second opinion and transparent pricing.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out

This is where many patients get overtreated. The honest rules:

Remove it if: It's partially erupted and repeatedly getting infected. It's growing sideways into the next molar and causing decay there. There's a cyst forming around it on X-ray. You have recurring pain or swelling every few months. You're about to start orthodontic treatment and the wisdom tooth is in the way.

Also remove it if: you're planning a long period without easy dental access (NRIs relocating, long international postings, deep-field work assignments) — better to do it under controlled conditions than deal with an infection in the middle of nowhere.

Keep it if: It's fully erupted, functional, easy to clean, and hasn't caused problems. A well-positioned wisdom tooth can work for the rest of your life — especially useful if you ever lose a second molar and the wisdom tooth can fill that space. Routine "prophylactic" removal of asymptomatic, well-positioned wisdom teeth is not standard clinical guidance.

During your consultation at Smile Dental Kondapur, Dr. Varsha shows you the X-ray, points to the root position, and explains which category your case falls into. If removal isn't clinically needed, we tell you — even though it means a smaller bill today.

Types of extraction — and what each costs

There's a big clinical (and price) difference between a simple extraction and a surgical one. Which you need depends on how the tooth is positioned, visible on X-ray.

Upper wisdom tooth — simple extraction — ₹3,000: Upper wisdom teeth usually have simpler root shapes and the bone around them is less dense. Most can be removed in 15-20 minutes under local anaesthesia. Recovery is typically 2-3 days.

Upper wisdom tooth — complex/deep — ₹5,000-₹8,000: If the upper tooth is impacted (trapped in bone), the price scales with complexity. A small surgical access may be needed.

Lower wisdom tooth — simple extraction — ₹2,500: Straightforward cases where the tooth is fully erupted and mobile.

Lower wisdom tooth — surgical extraction — ₹8,000-₹15,000: Lower wisdom teeth are the most complex. Dense jawbone, proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, and frequent sideways impaction all raise difficulty. Treatment typically involves a small gum incision, removal of a bit of bone, sectioning the tooth into pieces, and careful closure with sutures. 45-90 minutes under local anaesthesia.

Add-ons that may apply:

• Consultation + X-ray (IOPA) — ₹500 + ₹200
• Full-mouth panoramic X-ray (OPG) — ₹500 (usually needed for assessing lower third molars)
• CBCT 3D scan if nerve proximity is a concern — additional charge (discussed in consultation)
• Post-operative antibiotics and pain medication — usually ₹300-₹600

What the procedure actually feels like

Modern wisdom tooth extraction is nothing like the horror stories. Here's what you should expect at our Kondapur clinic:

Before: Detailed X-ray review. Dr. Varsha explains exactly what she'll do and how long it should take. You're told what to eat before (a light meal, not heavy), what medications to avoid (aspirin the day of), and what to bring.

During: Topical gel numbs the gum first. Then local anaesthetic is given — a small pinch for 2 seconds, followed by complete numbness. You feel pressure and movement, no pain. For surgical extractions, a small area of gum is lifted, the tooth is sectioned, and each piece is removed. Stitches close the gum at the end.

After: You're watched for 15 minutes while the bleeding settles. Clear written instructions cover what to eat, how to brush, medication timing, and warning signs. Most patients drive themselves home (we recommend someone accompanies you for surgical extractions, just to be safe).

Recovery — what's normal and what's not

Days 1-2: Mild-to-moderate swelling and soreness. Soft cold foods (yoghurt, ice cream, cold smoothies) help. Salt-water rinses from day 2 onwards.

Days 3-5: Swelling peaks on day 2-3 and starts going down. Bruising on the cheek is normal, especially for lower surgical extractions. You can brush gently, avoiding the surgical area.

Days 5-7: Most soreness gone. Soft normal diet. Sutures (if any) either dissolve or are removed at a 1-week review.

Days 7-14: Full recovery for most patients. Return to normal eating.

When to call us immediately: Severe pain that starts 3-5 days after extraction (could be a dry socket — a treatable but painful complication). Persistent bleeding that doesn't slow down. Fever, or swelling that spreads down the neck or up towards the eye. Numbness of the lip or tongue lasting beyond 48 hours.

Most complications, if they happen, are manageable with a quick follow-up visit. Calling early makes resolution fast and easy.

Dry socket — the complication worth knowing about

Dry socket is when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site gets dislodged too early, exposing raw bone. It typically shows up 3-5 days after extraction with sharp, throbbing pain often radiating to the ear. It's treatable — we clean the socket and place a medicated dressing — and relief is almost immediate.

Reduce the risk: No smoking for at least 72 hours after extraction (big factor). No straws, no vigorous spitting, no aggressive rinsing for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot foods on day 1.

Timing — when to schedule

If there's no active infection, you have flexibility:

For working professionals: Thursday or Friday extraction, recovery over the weekend, back to work Monday. Choose a week with no major presentations or travel planned.

For students: Semester breaks are ideal. Mid-semester only if urgent.

For NRIs visiting India: Ideally in the first week of the trip. You want 10-14 days before flying back, since swelling and pressure changes at altitude can be uncomfortable in the first 48-72 hours.

If there's an active infection, we may prescribe antibiotics first (3-5 days) before extraction — pulling an acutely infected tooth makes the surgery harder and the infection more likely to spread.

Why patients choose Smile Dental Kondapur for wisdom teeth

Three reasons. First, honest assessment — we're comfortable saying "leave it alone" when the clinical picture supports that. Second, transparent pricing tied to complexity rather than a flat premium rate. Third, post-op care that actually responds to calls — if something feels wrong at 10 PM on day 3, you have a number to call.

The clinic is on Masjid Banda Road behind Coffee Day, 10 minutes from HITEC City, Gachibowli, and Madhapur.

Frequently asked questions

Covered in the FAQ section below.