Imaging and examination
A panoramic image is used to review the tooth direction, depth, nearby teeth, and surrounding anatomy.
Oral surgery Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom tooth extraction begins with the image
The tooth position and nearby nerve canal are reviewed before the extraction plan is selected.
Impacted teethPosition and depth assessed
3D CT when indicatedNerve relationship reviewed
Oral surgeryDr. Lee Chae-yun
Overview
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal
A wisdom tooth may be monitored when it is healthy, functional, and can be cleaned. Extraction may be considered when it is impacted, repeatedly inflamed, difficult to clean, or affecting the tooth in front.
For lower impacted wisdom teeth, the relationship with the inferior alveolar nerve canal is part of the assessment. Imaging helps determine whether treatment can proceed in the clinic or whether another approach is appropriate.
DecisionObserve or remove
The choice depends on symptoms, position, and nearby teeth.
ImagingPanoramic image first
3D CT is added when the anatomy needs closer review.
TimingSame-day treatment may be possible
Availability and clinical suitability are confirmed after assessment.
Assessment and treatment
A plan in four stages
The actual procedure and recovery vary with the tooth position, depth, and individual health.
3D review when indicated
If a lower wisdom tooth appears close to the nerve canal, 3D CT may be used to examine the relationship in more detail.
Treatment decision
The clinician explains whether observation, extraction, staged treatment, or referral is appropriate for the findings.
Extraction and aftercare
After local anaesthesia and extraction, bleeding control, wound care, medicines, and follow-up are explained.
After extraction
Protect the blood clot while the socket heals
Early recovery
Follow the instructions given for your procedure.
- Bite on the gauze for the time advised
- Use medicines only as directed
- Choose soft, lukewarm food after numbness settles
- Rest and keep the treatment area undisturbed
Avoid
Actions that can disturb the healing clot
- Smoking and alcohol in the early recovery period
- Drinking through a straw or forceful rinsing
- Spitting repeatedly or touching the socket
- Strenuous exercise before the clinician advises it
Seek advice
Contact the clinic if swelling is worsening, you develop fever or difficulty swallowing, bleeding does not settle, pain becomes much worse after first improving, or altered sensation continues. In an emergency, use the appropriate local emergency service.
Wisdom tooth FAQ
Before and after extraction
Clinical suitability is confirmed only after imaging and examination.
Many cases can be assessed and treated on the same day, but this cannot be promised before imaging and examination. The tooth position, nearby nerve canal, medical history, and number of teeth being treated all affect the plan.
A lower wisdom tooth can lie near the inferior alveolar nerve canal. When a panoramic image suggests close proximity, 3D CT may be used to examine the relationship. A staged approach or referral may be recommended when the findings indicate higher risk.
Follow the instructions given after treatment. In general, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, forceful rinsing, and strenuous exercise during the early recovery period because these can disturb the healing blood clot.
Contact the clinic if swelling continues to increase, fever develops, swallowing becomes difficult, bleeding does not settle, pain becomes markedly worse after initially improving, or altered sensation persists.
Continue in English
Implant dentistry
Dental implants
Assessment, treatment stages, and planning factors.
Read the guide →Plan your visitLocation and clinic hours
Address, maps, parking, transport, and weekly hours.
View visit information →한국어Korean wisdom tooth guide
The full Korean-language clinical guide.
View Korean guide →Contact
Call before your visit
Please call to confirm assessment availability and any language-support needs before travelling to the clinic.