What is wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually come in between ages 17 and 25. Often there is not enough space, so they grow at an angle or stay partly under the gum. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
An impacted or decayed wisdom tooth can cause pain, swelling and infection, and can damage the tooth next to it. Removing it solves these problems. A simple removal takes 20–30 minutes; an impacted tooth may need minor surgery.
Who needs it?
- Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
- Gum infection around a half-grown tooth
- Food getting stuck and causing bad breath
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it
- A wisdom tooth growing sideways, seen on the X-ray
How the procedure works
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01
X-ray
A full-mouth X-ray (OPG) shows the tooth position, its roots and how close it is to the nerve.
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02
Numbing
Local anaesthesia numbs the area completely.
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03
Removal
The tooth is gently loosened and removed. If it is impacted, a small cut is made in the gum and the tooth may be taken out in parts.
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04
Stitches and gauze
A few dissolving stitches may be placed. You bite on gauze for about 45 minutes to stop bleeding.
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05
Review
We check the healing after about a week.
Recovery and aftercare
- ✓Bite on the gauze for 45 minutes. Do not spit or use a straw for 24 hours.
- ✓Hold a cold pack on the cheek on the first day to reduce swelling.
- ✓Eat soft, cool food for 2–3 days and avoid hot drinks on the first day.
- ✓From the second day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
- ✓Do not smoke for at least 3 days. Call us if bleeding does not stop or you get a fever.
Common questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?+
No. If a wisdom tooth grows straight, is healthy and easy to clean, it can stay. We remove it only when it causes problems or is likely to.
Will it hurt?+
The area is fully numbed, so you feel pressure, not pain. Soreness afterwards is controlled with medicine.
How long is recovery?+
Most people are back to normal work in 1–3 days. The gum heals fully in about 2 weeks.
Can I go to work the next day?+
Usually yes after a simple removal. After a surgical removal, you may want 1–2 days of rest.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost?+
It depends on whether it is a simple or surgical removal. We share the exact cost after the X-ray.