What are wisdom teeth?  

Wisdom teeth are your last set of adult teeth that grow through the gums (erupt) on the upper and lower dental arch. The dental arch is the curved structure that houses your teeth. In each of your jaws, (both upper and lower) you will find 4 Incisors, 2 Canines, 4 Premolars and 6 Molars (including 2 Wisdom Teeth).

Wisdom teeth are unique in that they usually grow through the gums between the ages of 18 and 21. For some people, wisdom teeth simply do not erupt at all. Nowadays, this is not really a problem, as we don’t really use our wisdom teeth anymore.

Wisdom teeth are in fact a relic of our human evolution, dating back to prehistoric times. At that time, our ancestors used to eat a diet composed mainly of raw meat, which had to be chewed for a long time before being swallowed. Molar teeth used to deteriorate rapidly (dental hygiene didn’t really exist of course!) and so wisdom teeth then replaced the damaged, broken, or missing molars.

Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?

First, it is important to remember that not everyone necessarily has a problem with their wisdom teeth. If they erupt correctly and do not cause pain or interfere with other teeth, they can be kept with any further difficulties.

But in over 90% of cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth does cause complications and pain can often be the first sign of trouble. As wisdom teeth grow out, irritation around the gums can develop and bacteria can also easily get trapped around the area of the tooth, causing discomfort and painful swelling.

Wisdom teeth are also not easily accessible with a toothbrush, making oral hygiene difficult. Due to this, the onset of cavities can easily appear and develop.

When do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Sometimes even when you don’t experience any pain or infection and your teeth seem to be developing normally. This does not mean that they shouldn’t be extracted. Indeed, in most cases, their arrangement and implantation are not ideal, and they can cause infections that will require their removal sooner or later.

For this reason, it is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be extracted as a preventive measure. The ideal age for this procedure is between 18 and 21 years. It is advisable to discuss your situation with a dentist, who will both examine your teeth and advise you on the best course of action.

Make a wise choice: Book an appointment to have your wisdom teeth examined today

What can I expect during wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Wisdom teeth removal is carried out in our dental clinics by our experts in Oral Surgery and our Federal Diploma Practitioners specializing in Oral Surgery (CH). The operation is undertaken under local anesthetic, which means of course that you will not feel any pain, and you will not be aware of what is happening. If you are anxious about being awake during the procedure, many of our clinics perform the procedure with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or under general anesthetic.

As with any operation, it is difficult to predict how long the procedure will last. It will depend on the number of teeth to be extracted, tooth arrangement and how far the wisdom teeth have erupted (it is possible to extract teeth that are still below the gum line). The duration of the procedure can vary between 30 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to be extracted and their position.

Once the operation is over, you’ll be free to go home. You may experience some discomfort, such as minor bleeding, some slight bruising and pain as the anesthetic wears off. This can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers.

I am discovering the guidelines to follow after my operation

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?  

The cost depends on the number of teeth to be extracted and their location. You should be looking in the region of CHF 200 and CHF 600 per tooth extracted.

Make a wise choice and book an appointment today