When it comes to wisdom teeth, it’s not just the pain that worries people — it’s the stories they’ve heard.
At Sree Venkateswara Dental Clinics, we often meet patients who are more anxious about the myths surrounding wisdom tooth extraction than the procedure itself. These misconceptions are widespread across India, thanks to WhatsApp forwards, neighborhood gossip, or outdated beliefs. In this article, Dr. Prashant Venkateswaran and our team aim to set the record straight with science-backed facts — so you can make confident decisions about your dental health.
Let’s bust some of the most common myths we hear about wisdom tooth extraction in our clinic every week.
MYTH 1 – Wisdom tooth extraction affects your eyesight.
This is completely false – there is no scientific link between dental extractions and vision loss.
The nerves that control your teeth and jaw are entirely separate from those that serve your eyes. Removing a molar from your lower jaw does not – and cannot – affect your eyesight. Unfortunately, this myth continues to circulate in India and causes needless worry. In fact, a 2022 pan-India dental health survey found that nearly 27% of young adults aged 18–35 were concerned about potential “eye problems” from wisdom tooth removal — purely due to misinformation.
Fact: You’ll still be able to see your phone, your food, and your family—just without one problematic tooth.
MYTH 2 – Extraction is very dangerous or painful.
Here’s the truth: wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures worldwide, and it is considered safe and routine when performed by qualified professionals. Over 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted globally every year — and India sees nearly 1.2 million cases annually, especially in the 17–30 age group, according to Indian Dental Association estimates, 2023.
At Sree Venkateswara Dental Clinics, we ensure patients are fully numbed using local anesthesia before starting the procedure. In most cases, the extraction itself is painless. Discomfort during recovery is manageable with painkillers and proper post-op care. Dr. Prashant Venkateswaran emphasizes, “We follow advanced protocols to minimize trauma and accelerate healing. Patients are usually surprised by how quick and easy it really is.”
MYTH 3 – You can’t eat or brush for days after removal.
This one causes unnecessary panic. While it’s true that you need to be gentle with your mouth after surgery, you won’t be on a starvation or hygiene strike. You can eat soft foods (think: mashed potatoes, curd rice, khichdi) within the first 24 hours if you’re feeling up to it. And oral hygiene must continue — you should brush your other teeth normally while avoiding the extraction site. Keeping your mouth clean actually helps prevent infection and speeds up recovery.
A 2024 post-op care study published in the Journal of Indian Dental Research found that patients who resumed gentle oral hygiene within 24 hours had 35% fewer complications than those who avoided brushing altogether. At our clinic, we provide a detailed aftercare guide with easy-to-follow instructions so you don’t have to guess your way through healing.
MYTH 4 – If it doesn’t hurt, you don’t need to remove it.
This myth is partially true, which makes it dangerous. Just because your wisdom tooth isn’t currently painful doesn’t mean it’s safe to ignore. Studies show that 30% to 60% of people with symptom-free impacted wisdom teeth end up needing extraction within 4–12 years.
Hidden issues like cyst formation, damage to adjacent teeth, and gum disease can silently develop. At Sree Venkateswara Dental Clinics, we use digital X-rays to assess whether your wisdom teeth pose future risks.
Dr. Prashant Venkateswaran explains, “If your wisdom tooth is properly positioned and easy to clean, we may not need to extract it. But if there are signs of crowding or impaction, we often recommend proactive removal to avoid future complications.”
Why busting these myths matters.
A 2023 study by the Indian Dental Association reported that over 45% of urban Indian adults delay dental treatments due to fear and misinformation. This includes avoiding timely wisdom tooth evaluations — which can lead to emergency procedures later.
At Sree Venkateswara Dental Clinics, we believe in equipping our patients with the right information. Our priority is to ensure you feel calm, confident, and clear-headed about your dental care.
Still Worried? We’re Here to Help.
Wisdom teeth can be tricky — but they don’t have to be scary.
Whether you’re feeling discomfort or simply want a professional opinion, we’re here to help. At Sree Venkateswara Dental Clinics, Dr. Prashant Venkateswaran and our expert team have handled thousands of wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions with precision and care.
We take a conservative approach: we recommend extraction only when it’s truly necessary. Our clinic is equipped with the latest tools and a compassionate team to ensure your experience is smooth and reassuring.
Book your consultation today — and say goodbye to dental myths, and hello to peace of mind.
Let us take care of your smile, the right way.
