Removal of wisdom teeth
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through in humans. They usually break through into the oral cavity at the age of 18-25. They are the rearmost molars. Some people do not have all four or even any wisdom teeth.
The wisdom teeth often have no room in the jaw to fully emerge. We can determine how many wisdom teeth you have and whether they have room to erupt using an overview X-ray.
What complaints are caused by wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can cause various complaints if there is not enough space in the jaw:
- Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean due to their rear position in the mouth. As a result, caries or inflammation in the gums develops more quickly, which makes removal necessary.
- If a wisdom tooth cannot grow out of the jaw unhindered, cysts can form around the crown of the tooth. These cysts can lead to pressure pain and damage to the surrounding structures.
- The most common symptoms occur when wisdom teeth break through the gums. There is slight pressure and soreness if the tooth can break through unhindered. If it is difficult to break through, this can lead to severe pain and inflammatory reactions.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom tooth surgery for lack of space
Not only do wisdom teeth often have too little space, they are also sometimes positioned sideways or at an angle and therefore cannot grow normally either. This can cause them to press against existing teeth and damage them. Wisdom teeth surgery may also be necessary for orthodontic reasons if the newly erupting wisdom teeth jeopardise the success of the treatment.
Wisdom tooth surgery with risk of inflammation
Often the wisdom teeth can only come halfway through and are still covered by some mucous membrane. Underneath there are many bacteria that cause permanent underlying inflammation. Not only is this stressful for the immune system, it can also lead to acute inflammation, which is accompanied by severe toothache and swelling. If such a permanent inflammation is present, wisdom teeth should be removed.
Wisdom tooth surgery for caries
Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, even if they have fully emerged. Because they are so far back in the mouth, they are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. They are therefore very frequently affected by severe caries, which also speaks in favour of extraction.
We discuss the necessity and procedure of your wisdom tooth removal in detail and carry it out routinely and carefully. Thanks to our specialist dentist for oral surgery and our experienced team, we have a great deal of routine, additional expertise and the necessary skills to make the procedure pain-free, efficient and pleasant for you and to reduce the discomfort after tooth removal to a minimum.
What are the risks and complications of a wisdom tooth extraction?
As with other surgical procedures, there are certain risks and complications associated with wisdom tooth removal, although these are very low in most cases or only occur in rare cases.
- After the operation, bacteria can enter the wound and cause inflammation
- Swelling and haematomas often occur after the procedure
As with any operation, post-operative bleeding can also occur during wisdom tooth surgery.
What do you do after the removal of wisdom teeth?
Surgery in the mouth and jaw area always results in a gum and bone wound, which usually heals quickly and without complications. Nevertheless, complaints cannot be ruled out with certainty. The most common are:
- After-pain is a normal side effect to a certain extent and occurs mainly when the local anaesthetic wears off.
- Swelling develops particularly in the first 48 hours after extensive tooth removal or major surgery.
- Postoperative haemorrhages occur rarely and especially in high-risk patients. In the case of patients with blood thinning, suitable measures may be taken together with the family doctor responsible before the procedure.
- Mouth opening obstruction occurs mainly after wisdom tooth removal and usually subsides after a few days.
- Hypersensitive tooth necks normally disappear after 4 – 6 weeks at the latest; in rare, stubborn cases, the tooth necks must be “desensitised” by applying a fluoride varnish.
To optimise the healing process and minimise discomfort, it is advisable to take the following precautions:
- In the first few hours after surgery, your ability to drive is often impaired. As a precaution, use public transport or arrange to be picked up at the practice.
- Regularly cool the cheek on the treated side the day after the procedure (you will receive a cold pack from us after the procedure). This significantly reduces any swelling and minimises after-pain.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least the first few days after the procedure, as this can significantly impair wound healing.
- Frequent rinsing of the mouth, especially in the first three days after the procedure, can disrupt blood clotting. We therefore ask you to rinse your mouth carefully at least during this period. Swirl the rinsing solution (which you will receive from us after the procedure) back and forth in your mouth without applying pressure. After brushing your teeth, you should only spit out the toothpaste.
- A clean oral cavity accelerates healing! Clean the teeth carefully with a manual toothbrush (avoid electric toothbrushes in the first week after the procedure), but avoid the wound area due to the risk of injury.
- Avoid heat (sunlight, sauna, steam baths, warm compresses, etc.) in the first three days after the procedure, as this can promote swelling.
- Only eat and drink again after the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off. Soft, liquid and cool food is preferable in the first period after the operation.
- Avoid heavy physical labour in the first few days after the procedure and ideally do not do any sport, as there is a risk of post-operative bleeding and increasing swelling.
- In the event of post-operative bleeding, you should bite firmly on a sterile gauze swab for at least 15 – 30 minutes (you will receive this from us after the procedure), keep your head elevated and cool the wound area from the outside.
- Only take the medication prescribed by us as discussed. Avoid taking additional medication that you have obtained yourself, as this may impair blood clotting.
If you comply with the above measures, you should not experience any major discomfort or impairment. If you comply with the above measures, you should not experience any major discomfort or impairment.
- Non-stoppable, severe secondary haemorrhaging
- Increasing or newly occurring pain
and / or swelling three days after the procedure
- Fever over 38⁰
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We will be happy to help you.
Do you have any further questions? Make an appointment with us in Zurich Wiedikon and we will discuss everything about your wisdom teeth individually, comprehensively and competently.
