Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth, which are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If a wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to grow, it can become impacted, resulting in pain, infection, or other dental problems. In such cases, the tooth needs to be removed to prevent future dental problems.

Before the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will assess the health of the wisdom teeth and take dental X-rays to determine their exact location. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation. The surgeon will cut into the gums and remove the tooth, either as a whole tooth or in pieces. If the tooth is impacted, the surgeon may need to remove the bone to access the tooth. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.