Wisdom Teeth
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has not erupted into the oral cavity and is partially or fully covered by gums or bone. It remains impacted because there isn’t enough space in the jaw, or due to the wrong angle of growth.
When Should a Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?
- Recurrent gum infections and inflammation around the wisdom tooth
- Severe pain or swelling
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or in the adjacent tooth
- Pressure and damage to the adjacent tooth
- Formation of a pocket and recurrent gum inflammation (pericoronitis)
- Crowding of front teeth (in some cases)
- Before orthodontic treatment, if there's a risk
- Cyst formation around an impacted wisdom tooth
When Extraction Isn't Needed
If the wisdom tooth has erupted properly, has healthy gums, is easy to clean and causes no problems— there’s no reason to remove it. The decision is made after clinical and radiographic examination.
The Procedure Step by Step
Diagnosis:
Clinical examination, panoramic X-ray and — in complex cases — 3D X-ray (CBCT) for precise assessment of the tooth's position relative to the inferior alveolar nerve
Surgical planning:
We explain the procedure, risks and expected recovery in detail.
Local anaesthesia:
Complete numbing of the area, painlessly. For particularly anxious patients, we can discuss additional sedation options.
Surgical removal:
A small incision in the gums, minimal bone removal where needed, and gentle tooth removal (often in sections to minimise trauma).
Suturing & final care:
Cleaning of the area, placement of sutures (usually self-absorbing), gauze pack and clear post- operative instructions.
Possible Complications & How We Prevent Them
- Swelling & sensitivity: normal for 2–4 days, gradually subsiding
- Dry socket: rare — avoided by following instructions (no smoking, no straws)
- Temporary lower lip numbness: can rarely occur with lower wisdom teeth close to the nerve — assessed with CBCT before the procedure
Post-Operative Care
- On the first day:
- Bite on gauze for 30 minutes after the procedure
- Ice pack on the cheek (15 minutes every hour) to reduce swellingIce pack on the cheek (15 minutes every hour) to reduce swelling
- Avoid hot drinks and strenuous exercise
- Don't spit and don't use a straw (prevents “dry socket”)
- In the following days:
- Soft, lukewarm diet
- Gentle brushing, avoiding the area for the first 24 hours
- Saltwater rinses after the 2nd day
- Take medications as prescribed (painkillers, antibiotics if prescribed)
Possible Complications & How We Prevent Them
- Swelling & sensitivity: normal for 2–4 days, gradually subsiding
- Dry socket: rare — avoided by following instructions (no smoking, no straws)
- Temporary lower lip numbness: can rarely occur with lower wisdom teeth close to the nerve — assessed with CBCT before the procedure
Cases
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the procedure take?
Usually 20–60 minutes per wisdom tooth, depending on complexity. We can remove 1–4 wisdom teeth in the same session, depending on your tolerance and clinical judgement.
Does it hurt afterwards?
There may be pain and swelling for 2–3 days, managed with common painkillers. In most cases, by day 7 the area has fully healed.
When can I go back to work?
Usually the next day for desk work, or after 2–3 days for more demanding activities. For complex procedures, 4–5 days of rest is recommended.
Will the swelling go away?
Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and then subsides. By one week it’s usually no longer visible. Ice pack sand sleeping with the head elevated help.
Is the procedure safe near the nerve?
With a 3D X-ray (CBCT), we can see the exact position of the nerve before the procedure, so we can plan the extraction with maximum safety. In extremely close cases, we apply special techniques (e.g. coronectomy).
Do I need to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at the same time?
Not necessarily. In some cases we prefer a staged approach (e.g. first the 2 on one side). The decision depends on the clinical picture, age and patient tolerance.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a healthier smile.