What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction and When Is It Needed?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically begin to erupt at the back of the jaw between ages 17 and 25. Because modern jaws often lack sufficient space, these teeth can remain fully impacted, erupt at an angle, or press against neighboring teeth; when this causes significant pain, surgical extraction becomes necessary.

If a wisdom tooth erupts at a proper angle, contributes to chewing, and can be cleaned easily, it doesn't need to be removed. However, extraction becomes unavoidable in cases of pericoronitis (gum inflammation around a partially erupted tooth), decay in the adjacent tooth caused by angled eruption, orthodontic treatment planning, or cysts that can form around impacted teeth.

At Dent Ümitköy, the surgical process begins with millimeter-precise planning using 3D tomography to determine the tooth's position and proximity to nerves. Local anesthesia is then applied, and if needed, the bone tissue covering the impacted tooth is loosened, the tooth is sectioned and safely removed, and the gum is closed with aesthetic sutures.

Sedation is also available for patients with fear of surgery or needles, a strong gag reflex, or those needing multiple teeth extracted in a single session.

After extraction, the gauze pad should be bitten down on firmly for at least 30-40 minutes to stop bleeding, spitting should be avoided, and hot, cold, or acidic foods should be avoided on the first day in favor of warm, soft foods.

Intermittent ice application over the first 24 hours reduces swelling and bruising. Smoking should be avoided for at least 72 hours, as it disrupts clotting and can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket (alveolitis).