Wisdom tooth (third molar) removal is one of the most commonly performed oral surgical procedures. Wisdom teeth often become impacted — trapped beneath the gum line — because the jaw lacks space for their full eruption. Impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and cyst formation. Removal eliminates these risks definitively. The complexity ranges from a straightforward erupted extraction to a full surgical removal of a deeply impacted horizontal tooth.
A CBCT scan or panoramic X-ray shows the wisdom tooth's position, angle, root shape, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve — essential for safe surgical planning.
Local anesthesia is used routinely. IV sedation or general anesthesia is available at partner clinics for patients removing multiple teeth or with high dental anxiety.
For impacted wisdom teeth, an incision is made in the gum over the tooth. A flap of gum tissue is reflected to expose the tooth and surrounding bone.
Bone covering the tooth is removed with a surgical burr. The wisdom tooth is often sectioned into 2–3 pieces and removed sequentially to minimize bone trauma.
The socket is thoroughly irrigated with saline. The gum flap is repositioned and sutured. Post-operative instructions and prescriptions are provided.
1
Visits
4
Days stay
Active recovery 5–7 days; full soft-tissue healing 3–4 weeks
Healing
CBCT review, anesthesia, gum incision, bone removal, tooth sectioning and removal, socket irrigation, suturing. Duration: 30–90 minutes per side. Rest for the remainder of the day.
Swelling peaks on day 2–3 and resolves progressively. Soft diet, cold packs, salt water rinses from day 2, prescribed medication. Clinic available for any concerns.
Most patients are comfortable to travel by day 5. Suture removal is arranged with your local dentist at home if resorbable sutures were not used.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth trap food and bacteria, causing repeated pericoronitis (gum infection around the tooth). Removal ends the cycle permanently.
Impacted wisdom teeth press against second molars, causing resorption, decay, and structural damage. Early removal prevents irreversible harm.
Removing all four wisdom teeth under one anesthesia is more efficient and requires only one recovery period.
Unerupted wisdom teeth are enclosed in a follicular sac that can develop into a dental cyst, damaging adjacent bone. Early removal prevents this complication.
Swelling in the cheeks and limited mouth opening (trismus) are expected for 3–7 days. Ice packs and anti-inflammatories are highly effective.
Lower wisdom tooth roots occasionally contact or wrap around the inferior alveolar nerve. A CBCT scan identifies this before surgery, allowing a modified technique (coronectomy) if needed.
Wisdom tooth sockets have a higher dry socket rate (5–25%) than other extractions, particularly in smokers and those taking oral contraceptives.
Upper wisdom tooth roots may be close to the maxillary sinus. A small communication can occur but usually heals without complication.
Bite on gauze pads firmly for 45–60 minutes. Apply cold packs to cheeks in 20-minute cycles for the first 24 hours. Eat only soft foods and liquids. Avoid smoking, straws, and rinsing vigorously.
Swelling peaks on day 2–3 then begins to subside. Warm salt water rinses from day 2. Continue soft diet. Take prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for the full course.
Sutures are typically removed 7–10 days post-surgery. If you are traveling home before then, your local dentist can remove them — or resorbable sutures will dissolve on their own.
Gentle activity is fine from day 3. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and smoking for at least 7 days to support healing.
Plan a minimum of 5 days for wisdom tooth removal — surgery on day 1, recovery and monitoring over days 2–4, and travel home on day 5. This timeline applies per side or for all four at once. Use downtime for gentle exploration of the city during your stay.