The short answer
A wisdom tooth is planned with a panoramic X-ray first. The removal is done under local anaesthetic while you are awake, usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and is done in one visit. Expect some swelling for a few days, and a follow-up visit about a week later to check healing and remove the stitches.
Kailangan bang bunutin lahat ng wisdom tooth?
Not always. The X-ray shows whether a tooth has room to come in and how it sits. The dentist explains what your X-ray shows and whether the tooth needs to come out.
Wisdom teeth that are impacted, meaning stuck under the gum or against the tooth in front, are also removed at our clinics.
Before: the consultation and X-ray
- The dentist examines the area and takes a panoramic X-ray, which takes under a minute. It shows the tooth, its roots and the bone around it.
- You hear the plan and the cost before anything starts.
- Tell the dentist about any medicines you take and any health condition, so the removal can be planned safely.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day of the removal.
On the day
- The dentist explains each step before doing it. Raise a hand at any time and we stop.
- A numbing gel goes on first, then local anaesthetic numbs the area. You stay awake.
- The removal itself usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- The gum is usually closed with stitches, and you bite on gauze as instructed.
After: the first few days at home
Swelling and soreness for a few days are normal. These are the things we ask every patient to do:
- Bite on the gauze as instructed, and rest for the remainder of the day.
- Eat soft, cool food for the first day or two, and avoid hot food and drinks at first.
- No straws, no forceful spitting and no smoking for the first days, so the area can heal.
- Take the medicine the dentist prescribes, as advised.
Timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| The day itself | Numbed for the removal; about 30 to 60 minutes; gauze and rest afterwards |
| The first few days | Swelling and soreness; soft, cool food; no straws, spitting or smoking |
| About a week later | Follow-up visit to check healing and remove the stitches |
Kailan dapat mag-message?
Message your branch if you are worried about how it is healing. For example, if bleeding does not settle with gauze, if swelling keeps getting worse after the first few days, or if you have a fever. Staff reply within an hour during clinic hours.
General information from the Citismiles dental team, not advice for your own teeth. Every case is different; the dentist explains what suits you at your consultation.