What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) are the third large molars in the upper and lower jaw. They are therefore also referred to as M3 (third molar). The name “wisdom tooth” refers to the age at which these teeth usually erupt, around the age of 20, when a person is supposedly expected to have gained “wisdom”.
For many people, there is insufficient space in the upper and lower jaw for these molars to erupt normally.
When is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Reasons for removing wisdom teeth may include:
- Insufficient space in the jaw, making normal eruption unlikely
- Difficulty cleaning the wisdom teeth, which may lead to inflammation or tooth decay
- Pericoronitis – inflammation of the gum around the crown of the tooth
- Pressure pain or damage (decay) to adjacent teeth
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment
During a consultation, I will evaluate, using an X-ray or panoramic radiograph (orthopantomogram – OPG), whether there is an indication to remove your wisdom teeth preventively. If symptoms are present, there is almost always an indication to remove the wisdom tooth.
Preventive removal of wisdom teeth is preferably performed between the ages of 17 and 25.
How does the treatment proceed?
Preparation:
- For a procedure under local anesthesia, you do not need to fast.
- For a procedure under general anesthesia, specific fasting instructions will be provided in advance.
- Please bring your referral letter and a recent medication overview to your appointment.
- Do you take blood thinners? Always inform us in advance. I will discuss with you whether (and for how long) these should be temporarily stopped.
The procedure:
The treatment usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to be removed and the complexity of the procedure.
- Anesthesia: You will receive a local anesthetic, similar to the one used by a dentist. The procedure should be painless, although you may feel some pressure.
- Removal of the tooth:
- Often the gum is loosened and a small piece of jawbone is removed to reach the tooth.
- If necessary, the tooth is removed in several pieces.
- Closure: The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches that fall out on their own after approximately 10–14 days.
- Aftercare instructions will be provided immediately after the treatment, both verbally and in writing.
What can you expect after the procedure?
Normal symptoms:
- Swelling: Usually peaks on day 2 and gradually decreases from day 3 onward.
- Pain: Can be well controlled with the prescribed pain medication.
- Difficulty opening the mouth: Due to irritation of the chewing muscles.
- Bruising: Rare, but it may extend from the cheek to the neck.
- Numbness of the lip or chin: A temporary effect after removal of a wisdom tooth in the lower jaw.
- Slight bleeding: Especially during the first hours; the saliva may remain slightly pink for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
- Pain medication: Start taking the prescribed painkillers before the anesthesia has completely worn off.
- Cooling: During the first 24 hours, regularly cool the cheek with a cold pack.
- Oral hygiene:
- Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours.
- After that, rinse with the prescribed mouthwash.
- Continue brushing your teeth but avoid the wound area as much as possible. Use a soft toothbrush.
- Diet:
- Avoid hot, hard, and spicy foods.
- Choose foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, or applesauce.
- Lifestyle guidelines:
- Strictly avoid smoking and alcohol during the first week.
- Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and sports during the first week.
When should you contact us?
Please contact us if you experience:
- Heavy or persistent bleeding that does not stop after 30 minutes of pressure with a gauze
- Increasing pain or swelling after day 4
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Persistent numbness in the lip or chin after several days
- Increasing difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
We are available by telephone for questions or concerns. In case of an emergency outside office hours, you can contact the on-call oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Costs and reimbursement
The costs and any reimbursement by the health insurance will be discussed with you before the treatment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Expect at least 2–3 days of rest. Avoid heavy work for 1 week and refrain from intensive sports or contact sports for 1 week.
With local anesthesia, this is usually not a problem. After sedation or general anesthesia, it is not allowed.
These usually dissolve on their own within 10–14 days.
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur, such as infections or a “dry socket.” Your surgeon will discuss this with you beforehand.
