Wisdom teeth — the third molars that arrive in your late teens or twenties — are the most commonly extracted teeth. But not every wisdom tooth needs to go. Here's how to know.
Signs yours may need removal
- Pain or swelling at the back of your jaw
- Recurring gum infection around a partially erupted tooth
- Crowding pressure on neighboring teeth
- Decay in a tooth that's too far back to clean properly
An X-ray (periapical or panoramic) tells the real story — impaction angle, root shape, and proximity to nerves.
What it costs
At Modern Smiles, guide fees are: upper wisdom tooth from ₱6,500, lower from ₱8,000 (lowers are usually more complex), and impacted wisdom teeth from ₱15,000 when surgical access is needed. All include local anesthesia; final quotes follow a clinical exam.
What the procedure feels like
You'll be numbed with local anesthesia — expect pressure, but little to no sharp pain. Simple cases take about 20–40 minutes; surgical cases take longer depending on impaction.
Recovery: the first 72 hours
Bite on gauze as instructed, skip straws and spitting (they can dislodge the healing clot and cause dry socket), and take medications as prescribed. Most soreness eases within 2–3 days. Soft foods, cold compress, and rest do most of the work.
Don't wait for the ache
Wisdom tooth problems rarely improve on their own — and infections pick inconvenient weeks to flare up. If you're feeling pressure back there, an assessment is quick and inexpensive.