Reviewed by Dr Foo Voon Hoo, Dentist, Qualiteeth Dental Clinic · October 2026
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people they grow in without any trouble. For many others, there is not enough space, and the tooth gets stuck or only partly breaks through the gum. This guide explains when a wisdom tooth needs to come out, what the procedure involves, and how to recover well.
Signs your wisdom tooth may be causing problems
- Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
- Gum around the tooth that is red, swollen or bleeds
- A bad taste or smell from the back of the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Food often getting stuck behind your last molar
- Pain in the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth
Some wisdom teeth cause no symptoms but still damage the neighbouring tooth over time. That is why your dentist uses an X-ray to check them.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. A wisdom tooth that has grown in straight, is healthy and can be cleaned properly can usually stay. Your dentist may recommend removal if the tooth is:
- Impacted: stuck under the gum or bone, or growing at an angle
- Causing repeated gum infections (pericoronitis)
- Decayed and hard to clean or repair
- Damaging or causing decay in the tooth next to it
- Linked to a cyst or other problem seen on the X-ray
Simple extraction vs surgical removal
| Simple extraction | Surgical removal (minor oral surgery) | |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s used | Tooth has fully come through the gum | Tooth is impacted or only partly through |
| What happens | Tooth is loosened and removed | Gum is opened, some bone may be removed, tooth may be taken out in sections |
| Stitches | Usually not needed | Often needed |
| At Qualiteeth | Extractions from RM80 | Minor oral surgery from RM700 |
Both are done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb. You will feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain. If your case is very complex, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon or hospital.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Malaysia?
At Qualiteeth Dental Clinic, simple extractions start from RM80, and surgical wisdom tooth removal (minor oral surgery) starts from RM700. The cost depends on how the tooth is positioned and how difficult it is to remove. Your dentist will explain the cost after the X-ray, before anything is done.
Recovery: the first few days
Most people feel much better within a few days to a week. To help healing:
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure
- Use a cold pack on your cheek in the first day to reduce swelling
- Do not rinse, spit forcefully, smoke or use a straw for the first 24 hours
- Eat soft, cool food such as porridge, yoghurt and soup, and chew on the other side
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals
- Take pain relief as your dentist advises
When to contact your dentist
Call your branch if you have bleeding that does not slow down, pain that gets worse after the third day, a bad taste or smell, fever, or swelling that keeps increasing. Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if swelling spreads to your neck or eye, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does wisdom tooth surgery cost in Malaysia?
At Qualiteeth, surgical wisdom tooth removal starts from RM700, and simple extractions start from RM80. Your dentist will confirm the cost after an X-ray.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some swelling and soreness for a few days afterwards is normal.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel better within a few days to a week. The gum fully heals over a few weeks.
Can I go to work after wisdom tooth removal?
Many people rest for a day or two, especially after surgical removal. Your dentist can advise you based on your procedure.
Wisdom tooth bothering you? Learn about wisdom tooth surgery, tooth extraction and dental X-rays, or book an appointment at any of our 16 clinics.
This article is general information and not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise you after an examination. Prices are starting prices at Qualiteeth Dental Clinic as of October 2026; the final cost is explained before treatment begins.
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