Oral Surgery
Prešov
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop them, but most patients have at least one wisdom tooth. Their growth and position are individual and can often cause various complications.
Regular dental check-ups and panoramic OPG X-rays help determine the condition of wisdom teeth, whether they have enough space to erupt and whether extraction will be needed.
When is wisdom tooth removal necessary?
A wisdom tooth may be:
- fully erupted,
- partially erupted,
- or impacted (unerupted and hidden in bone or under the gum).
How Can Wisdom Teeth Be Positioned?
A wisdom tooth can be in three different positions, which determine the next treatment steps:
Fully Erupted Wisdom Tooth
If the wisdom tooth has erupted correctly and the patient can clean it thoroughly, removal is not always necessary. Problems arise with:
- poor hygiene,
- tooth decay,
- gum inflammation,
- lack of space in the dental arch.
In these cases, the doctor will recommend extraction.
Partially Erupted Wisdom Tooth (most common problem)
This condition is one of the most common causes of pain. A gum flap remains over part of the crown, trapping bacteria and food debris. The result is often inflammation, swelling and significant pain.
Typical symptoms:
- tooth or gum pain,
- facial swelling,
- difficulty opening the mouth,
- pain radiating to the ear,
- swollen lymph nodes,
- increased temperature.
In such cases, the dentist often recommends surgical removal of the wisdom tooth.
Impacted (Unerupted) Wisdom Tooth
An impacted tooth is completely hidden under the gum or in bone. It may not cause immediate problems, but it can lead to:
- inflammation,
- pressure on neighboring teeth,
- cyst formation.
For this reason, planned extraction is often recommended.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is painless.
With a simpler extraction, the doctor loosens and removes the tooth similarly to a regular extraction. If the tooth is deeper or unerupted, surgical extraction is performed.
During a surgical procedure, the oral surgeon may:
- release the gum,
- divide the tooth into several parts,
- gently remove part of the bone,
- clean and suture the extraction wound.
After the procedure, the patient receives detailed instructions for healing and postoperative care.
The procedure takes approximately 20 to 60 minutes depending on complexity.
How Will I Feel After the Procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually well tolerated and performed without pain. Mild swelling, sensitivity or limited mouth opening may occur afterwards.
Most patients, however, return to normal activities the next day.
What to Do After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Proper care after the procedure significantly affects healing and reduces the risk of complications.
We recommend:
- local cooling of the face,
- rest,
- soft or mushy food,
- careful oral hygiene according to the doctor’s instructions,
- avoiding smoking and alcohol.
Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Problems
Regular preventive dental check-ups help detect wisdom tooth problems early. Early diagnosis can prevent pain, inflammation and more demanding surgical procedures.