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Among those who visit Gangnam Station Dental Clinic, many people will have considered wisdom tooth extraction at least once.
Especially in the late teens to early 20s, when wisdom teeth start to grow, many people experience discomfort such as gum pain, swelling, and food getting trapped.
"Do wisdom teeth really have to be removed?"
"If they don’t hurt, is it okay to leave them alone?"
"Is wisdom tooth extraction a very painful treatment?"
There are many questions related to wisdom teeth like these.
In fact, since the position and direction in which wisdom teeth grow differ from person to person, whether extraction is necessary can also vary depending on an individual’s oral condition.
Today, let’s take a general look at wisdom teeth: what they are, when extraction is needed, how the extraction process is performed, and what to watch for after extraction.

What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth refer to the third molars located at the very back of the mouth.
In general, a person has 28 teeth by default, and with wisdom teeth added, there can be up to 32 teeth.
Wisdom teeth usually start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Because this period overlaps with the transition into adulthood, they are commonly called wisdom teeth.
However, because modern people often have jaws that are relatively smaller than in the past, there is frequently not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow in normally.
As a result, wisdom teeth often appear in the following forms:
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Impacted wisdom teeth fully buried under the gums
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Partially impacted wisdom teeth that only partly break through the gums
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Wisdom teeth that grow sideways toward the adjacent tooth
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Wisdom teeth that grow at an angle
Because they often do not grow in the normal direction, they can potentially cause various oral problems.

When wisdom tooth extraction is needed
Not all wisdom teeth must be removed.
However, in the following cases, extraction may be worth considering.
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Gum inflammation around the wisdom tooth: When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gums, space can easily form between the gum and the tooth. Food and bacteria can easily accumulate in this space, which can cause repeated inflammation, leading to gum swelling and pain. If this inflammation keeps recurring, it can become inconvenient in daily life.
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Risk of cavities in nearby teeth: When a wisdom tooth grows at an angle or lies sideways, space may form between it and the molar in front. Because this area is difficult to reach with a toothbrush, it becomes harder to care for, and as a result, not only the wisdom tooth but also the tooth in front may become more likely to develop cavities. In particular, if molar cavities are discovered late, the scope of treatment can become larger, so caution is needed.
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Food trapping and bad breath: Because wisdom teeth are located at the very back, they are in a position that is difficult to clean completely even with regular brushing. This can lead to food getting trapped frequently or bacteria accumulating, which can also cause bad breath.
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Jaw pain or pressure: If a wisdom tooth cannot grow in the normal direction and pushes against the adjacent tooth, pressure or discomfort may be felt around the jaw. In some cases, gum swelling or pain may also occur.
If these symptoms continue, it is a good idea to check the condition of the wisdom tooth through an examination at Lucid Dental Clinic.

How is the wisdom tooth extraction process carried out?
Wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on the patient’s oral condition and the position of the wisdom tooth.
- Oral examination and imaging
First, an oral examination is performed, and then X-rays are taken to check the position and direction of the wisdom tooth, as well as the shape of the tooth roots. Through this, it is determined whether the wisdom tooth can be removed with a simple extraction or whether gum incision is needed.
- Creating the extraction plan
A treatment plan is established by considering the position of the wisdom tooth and its relationship with the surrounding teeth. The extraction method may differ depending on the degree of impaction.
- Extraction after local anesthesia
The procedure is performed after local anesthesia, and depending on the shape of the wisdom tooth, sectioning extraction may be carried out. The extraction time may vary depending on the position and difficulty of the wisdom tooth.
- Hemostasis and post-extraction instructions
After the extraction is complete, gauze is bitten down on to help stop bleeding, and instructions are provided for post-extraction care.

Precautions after extraction
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to follow a few precautions for a quicker recovery.
Typical precautions include the following:
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Bite down on gauze for about 30 minutes after extraction to help stop bleeding
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Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of extraction
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Avoid alcohol and smoking for a certain period of time
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Be careful with straw use, as it may cause bleeding
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Eat soft, lukewarm foods rather than hot foods
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Do not stimulate the extraction site with your tongue or hands
Swelling or pain may occur after extraction depending on the individual, and managing it according to the instructions given may be helpful.
Wisdom tooth extraction care at Lucid Dental Clinic
Wisdom tooth extraction is not simply a procedure to remove a tooth; it is important to comprehensively consider the position of the wisdom tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and the condition of the gums.
At Lucid Dental Clinic, after checking the patient’s oral condition, we determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, and then proceed with treatment after providing a sufficient explanation of the treatment process.
We also place great importance on consultation and guidance so that patients can understand the treatment process and receive care with peace of mind.
Because the condition of wisdom teeth varies greatly from person to person, it is important to check the condition through an accurate examination.
Wisdom tooth extraction is not a tooth that must always be removed, but depending on its position and direction of growth, it can also cause various oral problems.
In particular, if you have any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to check the condition of your wisdom teeth through a Gangnam Station dental clinic.
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If the gums swell or hurt frequently
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If food frequently gets trapped around the wisdom tooth
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If you feel discomfort behind the molars
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If you have pain when opening your mouth
If you are experiencing discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, it may be helpful to check your current condition through an examination at Gangnam Station Dental Clinic and consult on the appropriate treatment direction.
If you are worried about wisdom tooth extraction, please consider checking your current oral condition through a consultation at Lucid Dental Clinic.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Q&A
Q. How much does wisdom tooth extraction cost?
A. The cost of wisdom tooth extraction may vary depending on the position and shape of the wisdom tooth, as well as the degree of impaction. If the wisdom tooth has normally erupted outside the gum, it is considered a relatively simple extraction. If it is an impacted wisdom tooth buried under the gums, the treatment cost may vary depending on the difficulty of the extraction. Also, because wisdom tooth extraction is often covered by health insurance, the cost may differ depending on the patient’s oral condition, so it is best to receive an exact estimate after a dental examination.
Q. Is wisdom tooth extraction very painful?
A. Since wisdom tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia, pain during the procedure is often barely felt. However, after the extraction, some swelling or pain may occur depending on the individual. These symptoms generally tend to gradually ease over time. Recovery speed may vary depending on the position and difficulty of the wisdom tooth, and following the precautions provided can help with recovery.
Q. Do wisdom teeth have to be removed?
A. Not all wisdom teeth must be removed. If a wisdom tooth is growing normally, is not affecting nearby teeth, and does not pose a risk of gum inflammation or cavities, it may be monitored without extraction.
Q. When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?
A. After wisdom tooth extraction, it is recommended to begin with soft foods once bleeding has been reasonably controlled. On the day of extraction, it is best to avoid hot, irritating, or hard foods, and eating mild foods such as porridge or other soft dishes may be helpful. Also, straw use may affect the extraction site, so it is best to be careful for a certain period of time.
Q. How long does swelling last after extraction?
A. Swelling after wisdom tooth extraction may last depending on the individual’s condition or the difficulty of the extraction. In general, swelling may appear for about 2 to 3 days after extraction, and then gradually improve. Recovery speed varies from person to person, so it is best to follow the care instructions and monitor the progress.
Q. When can I return to daily life after wisdom tooth extraction?
A. In most cases, daily life is possible from the same day after wisdom tooth extraction. However, on the day of extraction, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and activities such as sauna use. Getting enough rest and avoiding stimulation of the extraction site can help with recovery.


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