Wisdom teeth removal (extraction)
When wisdom teeth break through, various problems can arise that cannot be resolved without tooth extraction. Even wisdom teeth that have not emerged can cause discomfort, for example if they push against neighbouring teeth. In such cases, the dentist may recommend that the wisdom teeth be extracted.
During wisdom tooth surgery, the problematic teeth are extracted painlessly under local anaesthetic. For more extensive procedures or if you are very nervous before the treatment, wisdom tooth surgery in Zurich can also be performed under general anaesthetic.
As wisdom teeth are not needed for chewing, their removal is not a problem. Extraction can therefore treat or prevent many dental problems.
Feel free to make an appointment at our Zurich practice and let one of our dentists advise you on wisdom tooth surgery.
When is a wisdom tooth removal necessary?
Various complications can arise when wisdom teeth break through. Many people do not have enough space in their jaw for all their teeth. The emerging wisdom teeth can displace the surrounding teeth or damage them due to strong pressure.
Another problem is that wisdom teeth are often irregularly shaped or lie sideways. They can then press against the neighbouring teeth from below or create hard-to-reach spaces with an increased risk of caries. In this case, it often makes sense to extract one or more wisdom teeth.
How does wisdom tooth extraction work?
Before the dental surgery, your dentist will discuss with you how many wisdom teeth need to be removed and whether this should be done in one or more procedures. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the dentist will recommend a suitable form of anaesthesia.
After the treatment area has been anaesthetised, the dentist opens the gum and exposes the tooth crown. Depending on the position of the tooth, he removes it either in one piece or in several parts. The wound is then carefully cleaned and the gum is sutured back together.
The stitches are removed about 7 to 10 days later during a first follow-up appointment.
What is important after wisdom tooth surgery?
After the procedure, you should take it easy for a few days and cool the cheek thoroughly from the outside. If your dentist has prescribed medication or a mouthwash, you should use it as directed. Avoid rinsing vigorously.
Careful oral hygiene is important to prevent infection of the wound. A soft toothbrush is suitable after wisdom tooth surgery. You can avoid brushing the wound area for the first few days.
You can eat again as soon as the anaesthetic has worn off. In the first few days, eat only soft or liquid foods and avoid hot, spicy and sticky foods. You should also refrain from alcohol and nicotine for a while.
What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, dental surgery carries certain risks, such as the risk of post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders or wound infections. You should also expect the treatment area to be painful and swollen for a few days.
During wisdom tooth surgery, the tooth may break or needs to be cut up by the dentist due to its shape. The position of the tooth can also make extraction more difficult. However, an experienced dentist is familiar with such situations. For you as a patient, the procedure may take a little longer in the worst case. In rare cases, damage to the surrounding nerves or neighbouring teeth may occur.
Should wisdom teeth be extracted or not?
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be extracted. Removal is strongly recommended if wisdom teeth cause problems, for example by exerting pressure on neighbouring teeth and damaging them.
Depending on the position of the wisdom teeth, the dentist may recommend a preventive removal, even if there aren’t any symptoms yet, however problems are likely to arise in the future.
Will I experience pain during or after wisdom tooth surgery?
Our dentists perform wisdom tooth surgery in Zurich under local anaesthetic, with sedation or general anaesthetic if necessary. You should therefore not feel any pain during the procedure.
In the days following the procedure, any wound pain can be treated with painkillers. Your dentist will prescribe a suitable medication before the dental surgery.
Can multiple wisdom teeth be extracted in one procedure?
It is entirely possible and also common practice to remove multiple wisdom teeth at once. Especially for anxious patients, all four wisdom teeth can be extracted in one procedure, saving the patient further appointments. However, it often makes more sense to schedule two appointments and treat only one side at a time. This has the advantage that you can still chew on the untreated side after your wisdom tooth surgery.
Do I need to take time off work for wisdom tooth surgery?
Depending on the extent of the surgery and your professional activity, it may be advisable to take several days off work. It is particularly important that you avoid physical exertion in the first few days. Swelling may also be visible, which must be taken into account in work involving contact with customers. Purely office-based work or working from home can usually be resumed quickly.