Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal

No. If yours are fully erupted, healthy and not causing problems, many dentists would leave them alone. Removal is usually advised when the tooth is impacted, partially erupted, repeatedly infected, or pushing the neighbouring teeth out of alignment. A clinical examination and X-ray decide it, not the tooth''s mere existence.

The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic, and you should feel nothing during it. Afterwards the area is usually sore and swollen for two to three days. Simple extractions settle faster than surgical removals of impacted teeth.

Most people need a day or two, and up to a week for a complicated surgical removal. Plan the trip so that the extraction is not immediately before a flight: it is common practice to avoid flying within 24-48 hours of the surgery because of the swelling.

Sometimes, but it depends on whether the bone and gums are healthy enough at the site. A socket that has just had a tooth removed is still healing, and some clinicians prefer to wait. Ask your surgeon in advance, and do not assume a gap can be closed immediately.

The price depends on how deeply the tooth is impacted and whether surgical removal or sedation is needed. Ask for a written quote that states whether it includes the surgical procedure, any sedation, and the follow-up review.