Wisdom teeth – the third molars – are a topic that raises a lot of concerns and questions. “Should they be taken out preventively, or is it better to wait? Does the procedure hurt? How long does healing take?” At Moje Ząbki in Ząbki we remove wisdom teeth regularly, and we know that the most common mistake patients make is putting off the decision until the tooth starts to hurt or damage the neighbouring teeth.
In this article we explain what wisdom teeth are, when they really need to be removed, what the procedure involves and what to expect after the extraction. If you live in Ząbki, Zielonka, Marki or elsewhere near Warsaw and have a problem with a wisdom tooth, this guide will answer your most important questions.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth (Latin: dentes sapientiae) are the third molars – the last teeth in the dental arch. In theory we have four of them: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. In Polish they are called “eights” because they are the eighth teeth counting from the midline.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, although in some people they appear later or not at all. Around 35% of people are born without one or more wisdom tooth buds – a natural evolutionary trend. Our jaws have become smaller than those of our ancestors, but wisdom teeth still try to erupt, often without enough room to do so.
When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not every wisdom tooth has to be removed. If a wisdom tooth has erupted properly, is healthy and causes no problems, it can stay in the mouth. In practice, however, most wisdom teeth become a source of trouble sooner or later.
Reasons for removing wisdom teeth
Impacted tooth – the wisdom tooth has not erupted fully or at all and remains in the bone of the lower or upper jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can press on neighbouring teeth, cause pain and lead to cyst formation. This is the most common reason for surgical removal.
Partial eruption – the tooth has only partly come through, creating a “pocket” between the gum and the crown of the tooth. Bacteria and food debris build up in this pocket, leading to recurrent inflammation (pericoronitis). Pain, swelling and difficulty opening the mouth are typical symptoms.
Abnormal position – the wisdom tooth grows horizontally, at an angle or towards the neighbouring tooth (the second molar), pressing on its root. If left untreated, this can lead to resorption of the second molar's root and the need to remove two teeth instead of one.
Decay in the wisdom tooth – wisdom teeth are hard to reach with a toothbrush, so decay develops faster in them than in other teeth. Root canal treatment of a wisdom tooth is technically very difficult and rarely justified – in most cases extraction is the better option.
Orthodontic reasons – in some cases an orthodontist recommends removing wisdom teeth before or during orthodontic treatment to create space or to prevent relapse.
Cysts and other pathological changes – odontogenic cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth; they destroy bone and require surgical treatment.
When can wisdom teeth be left in place?
Wisdom teeth can stay if they meet all of the following conditions: they have erupted fully and in the correct position, they meet the opposing tooth (and take part in chewing), they are healthy and free of decay, they do not cause gum inflammation, they can be reached with a toothbrush and dental floss, and they do not interfere with neighbouring teeth.
At Moje Ząbki in Ząbki we always assess each case individually, based on a clinical examination and an X-ray (a panoramic radiograph, OPG). We do not remove wisdom teeth “just in case” – but if we see a problem that is likely to get worse, we recommend extraction.
What does wisdom tooth removal involve?
The procedure for removing a wisdom tooth depends on whether the tooth has erupted, partially erupted or is impacted in the bone.
Simple extraction (erupted tooth)
If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and has uncomplicated root anatomy, the procedure is the same as a routine extraction. The dentist gives a local anaesthetic, loosens the tooth in its socket with an elevator and then removes it with forceps. The whole procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Surgical extraction (impacted or partially erupted tooth)
When a wisdom tooth is hidden in the bone or has only partially erupted, a surgical extraction is needed. The procedure involves: local anaesthesia (sufficient in the vast majority of cases), an incision in the gum and raising a mucoperiosteal flap, exposing the tooth by removing a small amount of bone (osteotomy), sectioning the tooth into pieces (odontotomy) if the root anatomy requires it, removing the tooth or its fragments, cleaning the socket (curettage) and placing stitches.
The whole procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how difficult it is. At Moje Ząbki we carry out surgical extractions in the dental surgery under local anaesthesia. Patients from Ząbki, Marki, Zielonka and the surrounding area appreciate not having to go to hospital – the procedure is done locally, in comfortable surroundings.
Does the procedure hurt?
The extraction itself is painless thanks to local anaesthesia. You may feel pressure and movement, but not pain. Discomfort appears after the procedure, when the anaesthetic starts to wear off – which is why we always prescribe painkillers and give you detailed instructions on what to do.
After wisdom tooth removal – healing and aftercare
Following the right aftercare is key to fast healing and avoiding complications.
The first 24 hours
For the first 24 hours after the procedure you should: bite on a gauze pad for 30–60 minutes (to stop the bleeding), apply a cold compress to your cheek (15 minutes every hour – to reduce swelling), avoid spitting, rinsing your mouth or drinking through a straw (to protect the blood clot), not smoke (smoke impairs healing), eat soft, cool foods (yoghurt, soup, ice cream), avoid hot drinks and alcohol, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Days 2–7
Swelling peaks on day 2–3 after the procedure and then gradually subsides. Slight bruising on the cheek is normal. After 24 hours you can start rinsing gently with saline solution. Dissolvable stitches are absorbed on their own within 7–14 days; non-dissolvable stitches are removed at the follow-up appointment.
Complete healing
The surface of the gum heals within 1–2 weeks. Full bone regeneration in the socket takes 3–6 months, although you will not notice this process. After about 7–10 days most patients are back to normal.
Possible complications after wisdom tooth removal
Every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common complications after wisdom tooth extraction include:
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) – the most common complication (about 2–5% of cases, more often in the lower jaw). It occurs when the blood clot in the socket dissolves or is dislodged, exposing the bone. Symptoms: severe, throbbing pain 3–5 days after the procedure and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Treatment: a medicated dressing placed by the dentist. The risk is higher in smokers – another reason not to smoke after the procedure.
Swelling and bruising – this is the body's normal response, not a complication. Swelling is at its worst on day 2–3 and goes down within a week.
Paraesthesia (altered sensation) – a very rare complication (under 1%) caused by injury to the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve. It shows up as numbness of the lower lip, chin or tongue. In the vast majority of cases it is temporary and resolves within a few weeks to months.
Infection – a rare complication, treated with antibiotics. Symptoms: increasing pain, fever and pus coming from the socket.
At Moje Ząbki in Ząbki we schedule a follow-up appointment after every surgical extraction to check how healing is progressing and step in if needed. We also give you a contact number to call if you notice any worrying symptoms.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
The cost of a wisdom tooth extraction depends on how difficult the procedure is:
A simple extraction (erupted tooth) costs approximately 250–500 PLN. A surgical extraction (partially impacted tooth) costs around 400–800 PLN. A complex surgical extraction (deeply impacted tooth, close to the nerve) costs in the region of 600–1200 PLN. A panoramic X-ray (necessary for diagnosis) costs around 80–120 PLN.
At Moje Ząbki in Ząbki we always tell you the cost before the procedure. An exact quote is possible after a clinical examination and analysis of the X-ray. For patients from Ząbki, Marki, Zielonka, Wołomin and the surrounding area we offer competitive prices and a transparent price list.
Wisdom teeth and age – is there an ideal time for removal?
The optimal age for wisdom tooth removal is 18–25 years. At this age the roots are not yet fully formed, the bone is more elastic and the body regenerates faster. As patients get older:
The roots of the wisdom teeth are longer and more curved, which makes extraction more difficult. The bone is denser and less elastic. Healing takes longer. The risk of complications (including paraesthesia) is slightly higher.
This does not mean wisdom teeth cannot be removed after the age of 30, 40 or 50 – of course they can, and we do it regularly. However, the earlier the decision is made, the simpler the procedure and the faster the healing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
No – the procedure itself is painless thanks to local anaesthesia. Pain appears after the procedure, as the anaesthetic wears off, but it can be controlled with painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol). How much pain you feel depends on how complex the extraction was.
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
A simple extraction takes 10–20 minutes, a surgical one 20–60 minutes. In exceptional cases (very difficult anatomy) the procedure may take longer.
How long does healing take after wisdom tooth removal?
The surface of the extraction wound heals within 1–2 weeks. Full bone regeneration takes 3–6 months. Most patients return to their normal routine after 7–10 days.
Do all four wisdom teeth have to be removed at once?
No – we usually remove one or two wisdom teeth per appointment (on one side). This lets you eat normally on the other side of your mouth while healing. In exceptional situations all four can be removed at once, but this requires careful planning.
Do I need an implant after wisdom tooth removal?
No. Wisdom teeth play no significant role in chewing or in the appearance of your smile. After they are removed, the gap does not need to be filled with a prosthetic restoration – unlike when other teeth are lost.
Can wisdom teeth push other teeth out of place?
This is a controversial topic in dentistry. Traditionally it was believed that erupting wisdom teeth “push” the other teeth and cause crowding. Current research suggests that they are not the main cause of crowding, although wisdom teeth may contribute to the process. An orthodontist will assess whether removing your wisdom teeth is advisable in the context of orthodontic treatment.
How to get to the Moje Ząbki clinic
Our clinic is located in Ząbki at ul. Malczewskiego 13 lok. C (Masovian Voivodeship). The journey from Warsaw takes about 15–20 minutes (via the S8 or by public transport). It is also easy to reach from Zielonka, Marki, Wołomin and Kobyłka. Parking is available near the clinic.
Summary – don't wait until your wisdom tooth starts to hurt
The best strategy for wisdom teeth is a preventive approach: regular check-ups (including panoramic X-rays), early diagnosis of problems and planned extraction before complications develop. Removing a wisdom tooth as a planned procedure is much simpler, less painful and carries a lower risk of complications than emergency treatment for an abscess or severe pain.
At Moje Ząbki in Ząbki we have many years of experience in oral surgery. Our team removes wisdom teeth in the comfortable setting of the dental surgery, under local anaesthesia, with full support before and after the procedure. Patients from Ząbki, Zielonka, Marki, Wołomin and the Warsaw area can count on a quick appointment and professional care.
Book an appointment: call 507 281 941 or book online through our website.
This article was written by Dr Magdalena Fronczak (dentist), founder of the Moje Ząbki clinic in Ząbki. The content is for information only and does not replace an individual dental consultation.