Oral surgery
Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to erupt – often only in young adulthood – and that is exactly what makes them a problem: in the course of evolution, most human jaws have simply become too small for them. As a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, I remove wisdom teeth that cause problems or are very likely to do so as gently as possible – as an outpatient procedure, with a careful preliminary examination and clear information so that you know exactly what to expect.
When should a wisdom tooth be removed?
Removal makes sense when there is not enough space in the jaw for the tooth to erupt fully and straight, when the tooth lies at an angle or horizontally in the jaw (known as an impacted or retained wisdom tooth), when recurring painful inflammation of the surrounding gum occurs (pericoronitis), when a cyst forms around a tooth that has not yet erupted, or when the neighbouring tooth is damaged by the constant pressure of the wisdom tooth or develops decay because it can no longer be cleaned properly. Wisdom teeth are sometimes also removed as a precaution before orthodontic treatment. Not every wisdom tooth has to be removed: if there is enough space, the tooth is straight and causes no problems, it can often stay in the jaw and is simply checked regularly.
What happens during wisdom tooth surgery?
Before removal, an X-ray is always taken – usually an orthopantomogram (panoramic X-ray), supplemented by a 3D scan (CBCT) if the position is complex – to assess the position, root shape and proximity to neighbouring structures such as the nerve in the lower jaw. The procedure itself is almost always carried out as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia; if a tooth is in an unfavourable position, it may be carefully divided into smaller pieces so that it can be removed gently through a small opening in the gum without removing more bone than necessary. Depending on its position and difficulty, removing a single tooth takes between 15 and 45 minutes. For practical reasons, several wisdom teeth are often removed in one session to keep the number of appointments and the overall strain on you low.
How does healing go?
In the first two to three days after the procedure, visible swelling of the cheek, a feeling of tightness and slightly restricted mouth opening are normal – consistent cooling from the outside during the first 24 hours helps noticeably. A soft diet, sufficient rest and deliberately avoiding physical exertion, heat, alcohol and nicotine also support healing and reduce the risk of a painful wound-healing disorder (commonly known as “dry socket”). Most patients feel considerably better after about a week and are free of symptoms again after one to two weeks; complete bone healing of the empty tooth sockets then takes a few more weeks.
What does the procedure cost?
In my practices in St. Andrä-Wördern, Thörl and Frankenfels, wisdom tooth removal is covered by statutory health insurance and billed at the official rates – there are no additional costs for you, you only need your e-card (Austrian health insurance card). Wisdom tooth removal at University Hospital St. Pölten is also free of charge for you. A consultation before the procedure is possible at all my locations.
Personal consultation before every treatment
Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Does every wisdom tooth have to be removed?
No. If there is enough space, the tooth is straight and causes no problems, it can often stay in the jaw and is checked regularly. Removal makes sense, for example, when there is a lack of space, the tooth lies at an angle or horizontally, inflammation keeps recurring or the neighbouring tooth is being damaged.
How long does healing take after wisdom tooth surgery?
Most patients feel considerably better after about a week and are free of symptoms again after one to two weeks. In the first two to three days, swelling, a feeling of tightness and slightly restricted mouth opening are normal. Bone healing then takes a few more weeks.
Can several wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Often, yes. I frequently remove several wisdom teeth in one session to keep the number of appointments and the overall strain on you low. Whether this makes sense in your case depends on the position of the teeth.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost?
In my practices in St. Andrä‑Wördern, Thörl and Frankenfels it is covered by statutory health insurance and billed via the e‑card, and at University Hospital St. Pölten there are no costs for you either.
Would you like a consultation?
Arrange a non-binding appointment – I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Request an appointment