Yaksu Station Dental Clinic, Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Hello everyone~!

I'm Dr. Kim Tae-young, director of Barun Young Dental Clinic at Yaksu Station^^

Today, I'd like to talk about wisdom tooth extraction.

When I speak with patients about wisdom teeth,

the most common questions I get are:

‘Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?’

‘I heard it's better not to remove wisdom teeth for the future.’

The cases where I recommend observing wisdom teeth without extraction are:

if the wisdom tooth is growing in the correct direction,

if it can chew with the opposing tooth,

and if it's well-managed without developing cavities.

In such cases, I tell patients they don't necessarily need to have them removed.

However, in most cases, brushing doesn't effectively reach the wisdom teeth, and

if they are growing sideways or partially covered by the gums, they often swell and cause pain, so it's better to have them extracted.

My wisdom tooth area hurts.

The patient came in because their lower left wisdom tooth was slightly emerging from the gum,

and that area was swollen.

Since such impacted wisdom teeth are covered by surrounding bone and gum,

a bit of the surrounding bone needs to be trimmed, and a significant incision in the gum is required,

pain and swelling persist after extraction.

Before extraction, we take a CT scan to visualize the tooth's shape and position in my mind.

I suspected the root shape was unusual,

and indeed, the root tip was curved.

In such cases, the tooth often gets stuck and doesn't emerge easily.

I explained the precautions and the CT scan to the patient, then performed the extraction.

Having reviewed the CT scan multiple times, the anatomical structure was clear in my mind,

so I finished as quickly as possible to minimize swelling.

I separated the tooth at the obstructing part and extracted it.

The root tip wasn't as curved as I initially thought.

I took a confirmation photo to ensure it came out well and gave an injection to alleviate pain.

While treatment cannot be strictly categorized with words like ‘this or that,’

if a wisdom tooth is completely buried within the gum or bone, I generally don't recommend extraction unless there's a specific problem.

However, if it's partially emerged like this, it's difficult to manage,

and often causes pain, so it's best to have it removed quickly when symptoms appear^^

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

No, not all wisdom teeth necessarily need to be removed. If a wisdom tooth is growing in the correct direction, can chew with the opposing tooth, and is well-managed without cavities, it's fine to keep it without extraction. However, in most cases, management can be difficult or it may cause pain, necessitating extraction.

What is the process for impacted wisdom tooth extraction?

Impacted wisdom teeth are covered by surrounding bone and gum, so a CT scan is taken before extraction to accurately determine the tooth's shape and position. Afterward, the surrounding bone is trimmed, the gum is incised, and the tooth is separated before extraction. Prompt treatment is crucial to minimize pain and swelling after extraction.

Is there severe pain or swelling after wisdom tooth extraction?

Yes, in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, the surrounding bone and gum must be incised, so pain and swelling may persist after extraction. However, we strive to complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize swelling, and an injection can be administered for pain relief if needed.

In what cases is wisdom tooth extraction recommended?

Extraction is recommended if a wisdom tooth is growing sideways or partially covered by the gums, making effective brushing difficult, and causing swelling or pain. Additionally, if it's partially emerged, difficult to manage, and frequently causes pain, it's best to have it removed quickly when symptoms appear.

Why is a CT scan necessary before wisdom tooth extraction?

A CT scan is necessary before extraction to accurately determine the tooth's shape and position, especially the root's morphology and surrounding anatomical structures. This allows us to predict potential issues during extraction and plan a safe and swift procedure.