Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the rearmost teeth in the mouth, which usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In many people they cause problems — inflammation, swelling, shifting of other teeth. In this article I honestly explain when extraction is necessary, when it is not, how the procedure works and how much it costs.
Quick answer: is extraction necessary?
Not always. If the wisdom teeth have erupted correctly and cause no problems, you can keep them. But if they are impacted (locked in the gum), fully erupted yet barely accessible for cleaning, or pressing on the neighbouring teeth — we recommend extraction.
When extraction is necessary
We recommend extracting a wisdom tooth when:
- Frequent inflammation around the tooth (pericoronitis) — it hurts, swells, makes jaw movement difficult
- Impacted tooth — trapped in the bone or gum, unable to erupt
- Caries on the wisdom tooth that we cannot treat because it is inaccessible
- Pressure on the neighbouring teeth — can cause shifting and caries on the 7th tooth
- Cysts or tumours around the root — rare, but serious
- Before orthodontic treatment — if space is needed for alignment
- Chronic headaches or pain in the jaw linked to the wisdom tooth
When extraction is NOT necessary
If the wisdom tooth is:
- Fully erupted
- Nicely aligned with the other teeth
- Accessible for cleaning (brush + dental floss)
- Free of caries or signs of inflammation
… you can keep it. Some people live their whole life with their 4 wisdom teeth without any problems.
Brutally honest: in 60–70% of cases extraction is not strictly necessary for medical reasons, but it is advisable as a precaution if there is an increased risk (partially impacted, hard to clean).
1. Fully erupted wisdom tooth
The easiest extraction — similar to pulling an ordinary tooth. 15–20 minutes, local anaesthesia.
2. Partially erupted wisdom tooth
Part of the tooth is in the gum, part outside. Difficult to clean + risk of inflammation. Extraction is moderately demanding (20–30 min).
3. Impacted wisdom tooth (mesial, distal, horizontal)
The tooth is completely trapped in the bone, often lying horizontally or at an angle. Surgical extraction: incision in the gum, removal of part of the bone, division of the tooth into several parts. 30–60 min.
1. Diagnostics (X-ray or 3D CBCT)
Before the procedure an image is mandatory to assess the position of the tooth, the roots and the distance to the nerve in the lower jaw.
2. Local anaesthesia
The anaesthesia is the same as for pulling an ordinary tooth. In complex cases (an impacted lower tooth) I may add sedation.
3. Pulling or surgical extraction
For a fully erupted tooth: classic pulling (an audible sound, a perceptible pressure, no pain). For an impacted tooth: incision in the gum + division of the tooth into 2–3 parts for easier removal (less trauma to the bone).
4. Sutures
In surgical extractions we suture. Removal of the sutures after 7–10 days (free of charge).
5. Recovery instructions
You receive written advice + a prescription for an analgesic (if needed).
Price of wisdom tooth extraction (2026)
| Type of extraction | Price | |---|---| | Fully erupted (classic pulling) | 60–90 € | | Partially erupted (less demanding) | 100–150 € | | Impacted/horizontal (surgical) | 180–250 € | | X-ray before the procedure | 25 € | | 3D CBCT (for complex cases) | 80 € | | Sedation (if needed) | 100–150 € |
Included in the price: anaesthesia, the surgical procedure, sutures, a check-up after 7 days.
Does extraction hurt?
During the procedure — NO. The local anaesthesia is effective; you feel only pressure and vibrations.
After the procedure — mild pain for 1–3 days. Manageable with simple analgesics (Lekadol, Ibuprofen).
In complex (impacted) cases: swelling of the face for 3–5 days, more moderate pain for the first 2 days. Almost all patients return to work just 2–3 days after the procedure.
The first 24 hours
- Bite on a piece of gauze for 30–60 minutes (bleeding)
- Cold compresses on the face (reduces swelling)
- Sleep with your head raised
- Soft, mushy food (soups, yoghurt, mashed potato)
- DO NOT: hot food, alcohol, smoking, straws
Days 2–3
- The peak of swelling — then it begins to subside
- Pain manageable with 1 dose of an analgesic
- Cold compresses are still helpful
- Rinsing with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in 1 dl of water) 3 times a day
Days 4–7
- The swelling subsides
- A more normal diet is already possible
- Careful cleaning of the neighbouring teeth
Days 7–10
- Removal of the sutures (a short check-up, free of charge)
- Return to a normal diet
- The swelling almost completely disappears
Dry socket (alveolitis)
The most common complication (3–5% of cases). It appears 2–4 days after the procedure — severe pain, unpleasant breath. The cause: the blood clot in the socket has been flushed out prematurely.
Prevention: do not smoke for 48 hours, do not suck through a straw, do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
Damage to the lower jaw nerve
With impacted lower wisdom teeth there is a risk (1–5%) if the tooth is close to the nerve. Consequence: temporary numbness of the lower lip. A 3D CBCT scan before the procedure helps to assess the risk and prevent this.
A root broken off in the bone
Rare. If the root is hard to reach and can safely remain in the bone (small pieces), we leave it — it resolves within 6 months.
Wound infection
Less than 2% of cases. If you suspect it, visit the dentist — an antibiotic and/or cleaning of the wound.
When should I decide on extraction?
The ideal age is between 17 and 24, when:
- The roots have not yet fully developed — easier extraction
- The bone is softer — faster recovery
- General health is usually better
After the age of 30 the bones are harder and extraction is more complex. After 40 extraction may mean a higher risk of complications.
Honest advice: if you are aged 18–25, have wisdom teeth and at least 2 of them are partially erupted or impacted, it makes sense to consider a preventive extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Does pulling a wisdom tooth hurt?
During the procedure NO (local anaesthesia). After the procedure mild pain for 1–3 days, manageable with Lekadol.
How long does recovery take?
Classic pulling: 3–5 days. Surgical extraction of an impacted tooth: 7–10 days.
Can I work straight after the procedure?
Office work as early as the next day. Physical work — wait 3–5 days.
What should I eat after the procedure?
The first day: cold and soft food (yoghurt, mashed potato, soups). The second day: more varied already, but soft. After 7 days a normal diet.
Can I wait with the extraction?
If the tooth causes no problems — yes. If there is inflammation, caries or pressure on the neighbouring teeth — no, because the problem will worsen and the extraction will become more complex.
Does ZZZS (Slovenian national health insurance) cover wisdom tooth extraction?
Yes, ZZZS covers a basic tooth extraction. For complex surgical extractions a co-payment may apply.
Can I trust that the empty space will remain after the extraction?
Yes, the empty space after a wisdom tooth does not need an implant — it does not affect the function of chewing.
Book an examination
Are you in pain because of your wisdom teeth? Or are you unsure whether they need to be removed? I invite you to a free first consultation with an X-ray or 3D CBCT scan. After the examination I will present you with:
- A specific assessment of your wisdom teeth
- A recommendation — extraction or waiting
- The price and timeline of the procedure
- 📞 Call: +386 51 452 627
- 📧 Write: info@koderman.eu
- 📍 Hreničeva ulica 3, 2250 Ptuj
- ⏰ Mon 9–16, Tue–Fri 9–15
_Author: Dr Antonio Koderman, dr. dent. med. & MSc of implantology — specialist in implantology, owner and head of the Koderman Implantology Centre in Ptuj._