Wisdom Tooth Removal in Central Hamburg
The so-called wisdom teeth (also known as the third molars, Dentes serotini or Dentes sapientes) are, despite their name, no indication of increasing wisdom. Their they owe their name to the fact that these teeth usually break through in early adulthood. This natural process occurs in 80 percent of the population. But they only need to be removed by surgery if they cause problems in the oral cavity.
We inherited wisdom teeth from our ancient ancestors, for whom these extra teeth were vital biting tools for chewing mostly unprocessed food. Each quadrant in the mouth contains a total of seven teeth: since a wisdom tooth is added to these, they are also known as »eights«.
When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Often wisdom teeth are the cause of inflammation of the oral mucosa and jaw. They have too little space within the fully toothed jaw and remain painfully stuck as they break through. At the same time, they may be completely or partially covered by a mucous membrane and displaced.
Not only do they cause pain, they also displace the rest of their teeth through their growth. This is particularly annoying if these were previously put into the correct position with much orthodontic effort. Thanks to modern, gentle methods – such as those used in the Zahnklinik ABC Bogen – these teeth can usually be removed without complications.
Wisdom
| Suitable for: | Usually everyone | |
| Anaesthetic: | Local anaesthetic / sedation / general anaesthetic | |
| Necessary for: | Teeth that don’t need to be retained | |
| Examination: | Clinical, X-ray | |
| Advantages: | Creation of inflammation-free conditions | |
| Treatment: | Tissue-conserving | |
| Time: | 15-45 minutes | |
| Aftercare: | 7-10 days post-operative | |
| Costs: | Medical insurance |
Advantages of the Dental Clinic ABC Bogen
Our clinic offers the possibility to be treated in sedation / twilight sleep or general anesthesia. In this way, the procedure can be performed with the patient free of anxiety and relaxed. Optical enlargements and microscopes help our experienced doctors provide optimal treatment.
- Tissue-conserving
- Microsurgery
- Painless under anaesthetic / twilight sleep if desired
- State-of-the-art materials promote rapid regeneration of the wound
Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth surgeries are performed under local anaesthetic – this anaesthesia prevents the sensation of pain during the procedure, which is still performed when fully conscious.
Another option is to carry out the operation with a short period of anaesthesia or general anaesthetic. In this form of anaesthesia, the patient wakes up around two to three hours after the procedure and does not consciously experience it. After the operation the patient should be brought home by an accompanying person.
In contrast to local anaesthesia, short anaesthesia or general anaesthesia does not fall within the scope of services covered by health insurance.
What to do after wisdom tooth surgery
After each wisdom tooth removal, an early appointment for inspection is agreed in the practice. However, if you experience any problems before this, such as throbbing pain, severe bleeding or fever, you should contact us – as well as after any other surgery.
After the effect of numbness subsides, you may experience noticeable pain and / or swelling. These are normal aftereffects of an operation and we can give you or prescribe a suitable painkiller. It is not recommended to use other painkillers without consulting a doctor, as medicinal products such as aspirin may affect blood clotting.
Physical rest after the procedure can have a very positive effect on wound healing and facilitate your recovery process. Therefore, do not worry too much for the first few days after surgery. The pain sensation, duration of the healing and the strength of the swelling are different from person to person.
Tips for a Rapid Recovery
The most important way to a quick recovery after wisdom tooth surgery is plenty of rest. During this time, a blood clot forms in the fresh wound, which develops into new connective tissue and new bone mass.
Physical exertion is not permitted in the healing phase, as it can cause re-bleeding. Avoid sporting activities, and also housework if possible. On the other hand, a somewhat elevated sleeping position is beneficial for healing.
Eating and drinking after a wisdom tooth operation
Water and soft food are the most suitable foods when it comes to accelerating the healing process. Hot drinks as well as coffee and alcohol are not recommended after wisdom tooth surgery. The intake of hard food requires particular care because the crumbs that arise during chewing can remain in the mouth and cause inflammation.
Avoid the use of mouthwashes, for example those containing Chlorhexidin. Smoking may have negative effects on the affected tissue due to the toxic nature of nicotine, so smoking should be avoided at this stage.
If bleeding still occurs, you can relieve the symptoms with light painkillers. Please do not cool the area with ice cubes, but instead gently using a flannel moistened with cold water.
Summary – what do I do after the wisdom tooth operation?
- no physical exertion for several days
- no hot drinks such as coffee
- no alcohol
- no smoking
- no mouthwash solution using Chlorhexidin
- give yourself plenty of rest
- eat soft food
- adopt an elevated sleeping position
- cool the swelling with a cold, damp flannel
In case of persistent, throbbing pain and fever, contact us for a follow-up appointment.
Costs of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Statutory health insurance covers the costs of a wisdom tooth operation if the extraction is deemed medically necessary and is carried out with a local anaesthetic. For those with insurance, costs for anaesthesia or sedation vary according to the length of the procedure. These costs are normally covered by private health insurance.
Frequent Asked Questions
As an experienced specialist in oral surgery and tooth extraction, Dr. Stefan Triebswetter will be pleased to advise you.
No, not necessarily. There are people who have all four, some less and still others have no wisdom teeth. The reason for the variance lies in the development of the tooth, which can be caused by hereditary factors as well as by unknown factors in tooth germ formation.
The different incidence of wisdom teeth is part of evolutionary change. In human development, the wisdom teeth have become more and more unnecessary as our food has become ever softer. Thus, the wisdom teeth gradually “withered”. This also explains why the number of teeth varies.
If there is enough room for the tooth to break through, you do not have to pull the wisdom tooth. However, if these are crooked or twisted in the jaw, it is advisable to remove the wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth can be removed in a single surgery where all four teeth are pulled simultaneously. However, the intervention can also be divided into two or more appointments. In the decision-making, we are happy to help you according to your individual constitution.
A compact surgery may be a significant burden on the body. The four wounds of the pulled teeth must heal at the same time and pose both a challenge to your immune system and a greater restriction on the daily food intake. For this reason, such an intervention is not suitable for everyone.
If the wisdom teeth are removed using several appointments, these usually take place in intervals of a few weeks. For example, in each session two teeth are removed. This reduces the difficulty of eating and drinking, and wound healing can be speeded up if necessary.
Acute pain that is caused by wisdom teeth pressing against the adjacent tooth or bone can be relieved by cooling with chamomile tea. For this, you can moisten the tea bag briefly with cold water, squeeze out the excess liquid and let the bag cool in the refrigerator for a while. Then press the tea bag onto the affected area. The cooling reduces the pain; Camomile also has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
However, persistent pain may be an indication of damage to the root of one of the surrounding teeth. A dental examination is therefore advisable in cases of prolonged pain.
Wisdom teeth can be a new cause for crooked teeth, if the jaw is too small and the wisdom teeth have no place to break through and thus build pressure on the surrounding teeth.
The surgical removal of wisdom teeth can be performed under local anaesthesia as well as under general anaesthesia. It should be noted that under local anaesthesia a maximum of two teeth should be removed. In case of general anaesthesia, all four teeth may be removed. In very difficult cases or for very anxious patients, a general anaesthetic is recommended.
Under local anaesthesia you only feel pressure, but no pain during the procedure. If pain occurs after the removal of wisdom teeth, they can be easily treated with painkillers.
In most cases, it comes to a light swelling but from the third day is increasingly less.
No, wisdom teeth are the last teeth in the row of teeth and therefore do not need to be replaced.
In an otherwise healthy person, this is only required for very extensive, acute inflammation and only after consultation with your doctor or dentist.
Depending on the reason for taking the medication and taking into account the scope of the upcoming surgery, this should be discussed with your doctor or dentist.