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Wisdom tooth extraction
A wisdom tooth may bother you, even if it hasn't even erupted. If your wisdom teeth are showing symptoms, make an appointment for a dental checkup.
Specialist in the article
Suu- ja leukakirurgian erikoishammaslääkäri
Revised 1/5/2023
Wisdom tooth extraction in a nutshell
- Wisdom teeth should be removed if they cannot fully erupt, are difficult to clean or are infected.
- The erupted wisdom tooth is removed by levering and pulling, the unerupted wisdom tooth is removed in surgery.
- Don't be afraid of pain! You will always receive a proper anaesthetic.
Related services
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Wisdom tooth – symptoms?
Wisdom teeth can cause a wide range of symptoms:
- localised pain and swelling of the surrounding gums, pericoronitis
- an unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath
- oozing
- in the most severe cases you might not be able to open your mouth properly, swallowing may be difficult, and the swelling may spread to the cheek or neck
- general symptoms such as fever
You may suffer with wisdom tooth trouble even if it has not erupted. An unerupted wisdom tooth may be connected to the oral cavity through a deepened gingival pocket in the last erupted tooth, where oral bacteria can enter the jawbone and cause an infection.
Wisdom tooth extraction – when to remove, when not to remove?
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Your dentist will remove a wisdom tooth when:
- the wisdom tooth does not fit properly in the mouth
- an unerupted wisdom tooth is infected with inflammation
- it is difficult to clean the wisdom tooth
- the wisdom tooth has not erupted or is not causing problems, but is connected to the oral cavity through the gingival pocket of the adjacent tooth
- an unerupted wisdom tooth is associated with a jaw cyst change
The wisdom tooth does not need to be removed if:
- you have no symptoms and the wisdom tooth is not inflamed
- it is fully erupted, cleanable and beneficial to the bite
- it is completely inside the bone, and there are no pathological changes, such as a jaw cyst
However, your dentist may recommend that you have an asymptomatic wisdom tooth removed as a precaution if they think that there will be problems with it.
For wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will carry out a clinical examination and take a new x-ray of your teeth. The x-ray is important when the dentist is assessing the severity of the extraction.
Wisdom teeth – when to see a dentist?
If your wisdom tooth is showing symptoms, book an appointment with our dentist.
It's worth coming in for a wisdom teeth check-up around the age of twenty, even if you don't have any symptoms. Typically, wisdom teeth tend to erupt around this time. If problems are expected, it is often easier to have a wisdom tooth removed at a younger age than at a later age.
Wisdom tooth extraction by pulling
If your wisdom tooth is fully erupted, your dentist will leverage and pull it out. Usually one visit to the dentist is enough.
You get a good anaesthetic.
The dentist leverages and pulls out the wisdom tooth.
The dentist puts a sheath in the extraction cavity to form a blood clot, and the cavity begins to heal.
Standard wisdom tooth extraction is usually quick and takes a few minutes or no more than 15 minutes if the roots of the tooth are not difficult. In that case, the dentist will usually split the tooth into sections before pulling it out.
Wisdom tooth extraction in surgery
If the wisdom tooth is not fully visible, but the dentist decides that it should be removed, the solution is wisdom tooth surgery. There is no need to worry about that either.
Before surgery, it is advisable to have an examination. The dentist will assess whether the tooth needs to be removed and ensure that there are adequate x-rays of the tooth. You will also be informed about what to expect after the surgery. Let us know if you are scared and would like a sedative pre-medication.
- The dentist will carefully anaesthetise the area around the tooth.
- Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the dentist will make a gum incision.
- The dentist uses a drill to remove the jawbone covering the tooth. Often, the wisdom tooth is split into several pieces so that it is easier to remove.
- Finally, the dentist stitches the gum wound closed.
- Depending on the degree of difficulty, wisdom tooth surgery takes 15–45 minutes.
- After the operation, your dentist will advise you on how to use painkillers and possibly antibiotics.
After the operation, it is usually a good idea to have a follow-up check-up and suture removal, even if the dentist has used fusible sutures. This is because stitches collect bacterial plaque and can irritate the wound. In addition, food particles can accumulate in the extraction cavity and need to be rinsed out.
You're in good hands at Hammas Mehiläinen: if you should have any problems after your surgery, such as bleeding or fever, you can call your dentist for help.
What if you are scared of a wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction makes many people nervous. There is no need to worry: wisdom tooth extraction does not hurt and, if necessary, anxiety can be relieved with the help of various medications. The procedure itself is over sooner than you think. We'll always take your anxiety and dental fears seriously.
- Pain. Wisdom tooth extraction shouldn't hurt – and it won't hurt. Both wisdom tooth extraction and surgery are painless procedures, as we always ensure careful anaesthesia.
- Remedies for anxiety. If you're scared you can, for example, receive a relaxing pre-medication. Procedures can also be performed under anaesthesia – especially if you are having several procedures at once.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is 0 € for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
The Kanta fee (3,90 €) will be charged for visits to Hammas Mehiläinen starting from January 1, 2025.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is 5.20 €.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30 %.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate not include the outpatient clinic fee (35,90€). The outpatient clinic fee for a dental hygienist visit 25,90 €. If the procedure is with a specialist dentist, prices will be increased 30 %.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
| Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
| Children and young people dental check-up The dental check-up performed by a dental specialist. Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 79,00–118,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 109,00–157,00 € | 79,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 109,00 € |
| Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 88,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is 79 €. 108,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
| Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 118,00–165,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 118,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
| Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–265,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–578,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
| Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–265,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–754,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
| Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation. Prices incl. VAT Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
| Anaesthesia | from 41,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
| Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
| Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Sleep apnoea oral appliance
A treatment especially for mild sleep apnoea.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extraction
Your dentist will tell you what to do before tooth extraction. Often they will prescribe a painkiller and sometimes an antibiotic for you to take an hour before the tooth extraction.
- You will receive written instructions for aftercare.
- Wait until the anaesthetic has worn off before you eat or bite anything.
- Avoid hot food and drinks for the first day.
- Avoid exercise and other physical activities for 3–4 days.
- If necessary, rinse your mouth with a special rinsing solution.
- For contact details of the treating dentist, see the aftercare instructions.
After standard wisdom tooth extraction, you will probably feel pain for a day or two. Usually, a normal painkiller will help. If the pain starts again after 3-4 days, it is probably due to a dry extraction cavity from which the blood clot has disappeared. You should then contact your dentist.
Wisdom tooth surgery is often followed by 2–4 days of pain and swelling, and it is difficult to open the mouth. If normal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol are not enough, you can get help from more powerful painkillers. You will often need 2–3 days of sick leave, depending on your job.
Post-operative pain is usually quite manageable with painkillers. If the anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol are not enough, you can get more effective painkillers.
In the case of a standard wisdom tooth extraction, you will rarely need sick leave.
After wisdom tooth surgery, your dentist will prescribe a period of sick leave if necessary: a day or two in addition to the day of the operation.
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction depends on the degree of difficulty of the operation. Removal without surgery is obviously cheaper than removal with surgery. Your treating dentist will give you an estimate, so there are no nasty surprises. Browse the price list of Hammas Mehiläinen.
Remember, that the flexible payment options of Hammas Mehiläinen will protect you. For example,you can split the costs into several instalments.
