CT for Precise Diagnosis
"Wisdom Tooth, do I really need to have it removed?" Wisdom Tooth Extraction Complete Guide
Cheonan wisdom tooth extraction: pain, cost, recovery time, Complications Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Seoul BD Dental answers 22 frequently asked questions, supported by CT Precision Diagnosis.
Answered by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Covered by Korean NHISKorean NHIS
3~7 daysRecovery Time
CT PrecisionDiagnosis
Most Frequently Asked Questions
TOP 3 questions patients ask most
1
Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
You don’t have to remove every wisdom tooth.
2
Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
With thorough anesthesia before extraction, there is little to no pain during the procedure.
3
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is buried in the jawbone or erupting at an angle.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions 22
Not every Wisdom Tooth has to be removed. If there are (or are likely to be) issues such as a Cavity, gum inflammation, damage to the adjacent tooth, or a cyst, extraction is recommended. A straight, healthy Wisdom Tooth can be kept.
With adequate anesthesia, there is little to no pain during the procedure. For 2~3 days afterward, you may have throbbing pain and swelling, which can be controlled with prescribed pain medication. At Seoul BD Dental, extraction under sedation is also available.
An impacted Wisdom Tooth is one that is buried in the jawbone or emerges at an angle. It is more complex than a simple extraction and may require a gum incision and removal of some bone. Panoramic X-ray·After confirming the exact position with a CT scan, we extract the tooth.
A simple extraction is covered by Korean NHIS and is relatively inexpensive. For impacted Wisdom Teeth, the fee varies with complexity; when covered, your out-of-pocket cost is in the tens of thousands of KRW. We will provide an exact quote after an examination.
Most people can resume normal activities in 3~7 days. Complete gum healing may take 4~6 weeks. Recovery is faster if you follow the instructions (cold compresses, soft foods, no smoking, etc.).
It’s possible, but removing 2 at a time (one side) is more common. Taking both sides at once can make eating difficult, so we usually recommend splitting the extractions 2~3 weeks apart. Sedation Dentistry Under sedation, some patients have all 4 removed in a single visit.
After the numbness wears off (about 2~3 hours later), you can eat soft foods (porridge, soup) on the opposite side. For 2~3 days, avoid hot or spicy foods and do not use a straw (to prevent dry socket).
It’s a complication in which the blood clot dislodges after extraction, exposing the bone. It causes significant pain and usually occurs 2~5 days after extraction. To prevent it, avoid using a straw, spitting, smoking, and irritating the area.
It varies with difficulty, but swelling typically peaks at 2~3 days and then gradually subsides. Apply cold compresses for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses to help reduce swelling.
At Seoul BD Dental, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the extraction, and CT-based diagnostics minimize the risk of nerve injury. Procedures are done in a dedicated sterile operating room, and extraction under sedation is available so you can be treated comfortably without fear.
For a simple extraction, your out-of-pocket cost is about 10,000~30,000 KRW (approx. $7.3~$21.9); for more complex impacted Wisdom Teeth, it’s about 30,000~60,000 KRW (approx. $21.9~$43.8). Panoramic X-rayis also covered by Korean NHIS.
A horizontally impacted Wisdom Tooth can push on the adjacent tooth or lead to a Cavity, so extraction is recommended. The mandible (Lower jaw) may be close to the inferior alveolar nerve; we precisely confirm the nerve’s location with a CT scan and then extract the tooth safely.
Typically, sutures are removed at a follow-up visit 7~10 days later. If absorbable stitches are used, they may dissolve on their own and not require removal.
Brush the other teeth normally, except for the extraction area. For 3–4 days, avoid letting a toothbrush touch the extraction site directly; instead, gently rinse with salt water or your prescribed mouthwash. Avoid forceful rinsing, which can dislodge the blood clot.
A simple extraction takes about 5–15 minutes, and an impacted wisdom tooth takes about 20–40 minutes. Fully impacted, high‑difficulty cases may take more than 1 hour. Under sedation, multiple teeth can be removed in one visit.
Absolutely not. Smoking greatly increases the risk of (dry socket) and significantly delays healing. We strongly recommend no smoking for at least 1 week after extraction—2 weeks if possible.
Avoid alcohol for at least 3–5 days after extraction. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and can cause bleeding, and it may interact with your medications. Drinking while taking antibiotics reduces their effectiveness.
Seek care immediately if you notice: 1) Pain that worsens even 3 days after extraction (possible dry socket) 2) Fever of 38°C or higher 3) Continuous bleeding (30 minutes or more) 4) Difficulty opening your mouth (trismus) 5) Severe bad breath. Seoul BD Dental is open 365 days a year for prompt care.
It’s debated, but the pushing force from wisdom teeth may contribute to some changes in tooth alignment. If you’ve had orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth.
No. Wisdom teeth contribute very little to chewing, so there’s no need to replace them after extraction. The gums will heal naturally.
Even without current symptoms, if X-ray suggests future problems (risk of cavities or cysts, effects on adjacent teeth, etc.), we recommend preventive extraction. Removing them at a younger age (in your 20s–30s) has fewer complications and faster recovery.
When removing lower wisdom teeth, the inferior alveolar nerve or lingual nerve can be temporarily affected, causing numbness of the lip or tongue. Most cases recover naturally within 2–6 months, and permanent damage is very rare. At Seoul BD Dental, CT‑based nerve mapping minimizes this risk.
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*This information is Medical Service Act and the medical advertising review standards. Results may vary by individual. Please consult a specialist before making any decisions.