Wisdom tooth removal
Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain, swelling or crowding are removed after X-ray planning. For anxious patients, removal under sedation with an anesthesiologist is available.
Last updated: 9 November 2026
Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. When the jaw does not have enough room, they cannot erupt fully, grow in at an angle or stay inside the bone. Because the area around a partly erupted wisdom tooth is hard to clean, the gum can become inflamed, and decay and bone loss can develop on the neighboring tooth.
When should a wisdom tooth come out?
- Recurring pain, swelling or difficulty opening the mouth,
- Inflammation of the gum over the tooth (pericoronitis),
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it,
- A cyst developing around the tooth,
- When orthodontic or prosthetic planning requires it.
A wisdom tooth that is healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean does not always need to be removed. The decision is made after an exam and an X-ray.
Send us your question and our dentist will answer based on your situation. A definite plan cannot be made without an examination; the first step is a short consultation.
How is the extraction planned?
- Exam and X-ray. The position of the tooth, the shape of its roots and how close it is to the nerve canal in the lower jaw are assessed on a panoramic X-ray. The X-ray is taken at our practice; 3D imaging is requested if needed.
- Choosing the method. Local anesthesia is usually enough. For anxious patients, or when several impacted teeth are removed in one visit, sedation is considered.
- Extraction. For impacted teeth the gum is opened, the tooth is sectioned if needed, and the area is stitched.
- Follow-up. A check-up and stitch removal take place after about one week.
After the extraction
- Applying cold on and off for the first 24 hours reduces swelling.
- On the first day, do not rinse your mouth, use a straw or smoke.
- Eat lukewarm, soft food for a few days.
- Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day and then goes down.
- Contact us if pain increases, or if you have a fever or a bad smell.
Frequently asked questions
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
It depends on the position of the tooth. Erupted teeth come out quickly, while teeth impacted in the bone can take longer.
When can I go back to work or school?
Most people return to daily life within a day or two. For impacted teeth, a few days of rest may be recommended.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
In suitable cases, especially under sedation, they can be removed in the same visit. This depends on the position of the teeth and your general health.
Do wisdom teeth make my teeth crooked?
This is debated; crowding has many causes. The state of your wisdom teeth is assessed separately in your orthodontic plan.
What should I watch out for after removal?
On the first day, do not spit, drink through a straw or smoke; cold packs reduce swelling. Follow the medication and mouth care advice you are given, and let us know if pain, fever or bleeding increases.
Is wisdom tooth removal difficult?
Removing a fully erupted wisdom tooth is usually simple. For impacted or tilted teeth the procedure is planned surgically, guided by the X-ray.
Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry. Spent nine years at the dental clinic of Pendik Regional Hospital; more than 15 years of experience with general anesthesia and sedation.
Dentist’s pageThe information on this page is for general guidance only. The treatment that suits you is decided by your dentist after an examination and any necessary tests; the duration and outcome of treatment vary from person to person.
Treatments often planned together.
Surgery and implantsOral surgerySurgical treatments in the mouth such as extractions, impacted teeth, cysts and bone procedures.
General anesthesia and sedationSedation dentistryYou drift into a sleep-like state with your reflexes preserved; you do not feel or remember what happens during treatment.
General anesthesia and sedationDental treatment under general anesthesiaChildren who cannot cooperate in the chair and adults with dental fear are treated while asleep, with an anesthesiologist present.
General treatmentsOrthodonticsCorrecting crowded teeth and the bite, for children and adults.