Wisdom teeth extraction in Geneva

Is extraction always necessary?

Some people experience no particular discomfort or symptoms as their wisdom teeth emerge. Indeed, extraction is not always required if:

• The wisdom teeth are healthy;

• They are properly positioned and well-aligned with the opposing teeth;

• They are easy to access with a toothbrush or dental floss.

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

Ideally, at-risk wisdom teeth should be removed between the ages of 16 and 18, as the roots are not yet fully developed. This makes extraction easier and greatly reduces the risk of complications. In some cases, all four wisdom teeth may be extracted in one session, especially in adolescents or young adults, when clinical conditions allow.

However, extraction becomes necessary after infections such as pericoronitis or in cases of other problems:

• Damage to adjacent teeth: When wisdom teeth grow against the second molars, they can cause resorption of those teeth and lead to their loss. Plaque can also accumulate between the wisdom tooth and the second molar, leading to cavities. If the cavity is below the gumline, the second molar may also need to be extracted.

• Follicular cysts: During formation, a wisdom tooth is enclosed in a membrane called the pericoronal sac. If the tooth remains impacted, this sac can enlarge and form a cyst. These cysts often go unnoticed for years due to the absence of pain, and are frequently discovered incidentally during a dental checkup. However, if left untreated, they can cause significant damage to the jawbone (weakening, fractures, loss of nearby teeth), making surgery more complex.

• Discomfort or pain: The pain caused by erupting wisdom teeth varies. Sometimes, the discomfort is temporary and the tooth emerges in a good position. But in cases of misaligned wisdom teeth, ulcers may develop on the cheek’s mucosa, causing severe pain and swelling.

• Gum inflammation: Poorly erupted wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation, making oral hygiene difficult. Inflamed gums must be treated promptly to avoid periodontal disease.

Note: For advanced gum issues, we also perform scaling and root planing procedures at Chantepoulet Clinic.

What purpose do wisdom teeth serve?

Researchers believe wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors, whose diets included hard foods like nuts and raw meat. Their jaws were more developed, allowing space for these extra molars.

Today, our diet has changed significantly. We eat mostly cooked and processed foods and use utensils to cut food into smaller pieces. As a result, our jaws are less prominent and there’s often not enough space for a third molar. Wisdom teeth are thus considered a vestigial part of human evolution.

Recommended age for extraction

There is no fixed age, but extraction is generally done between 18 and 25, when the roots are less developed—making the procedure simpler and reducing complication risks.

Clinical, oral, and radiographic exam

A thorough assessment is carried out, including a 3D cone-beam scan if necessary, especially when the roots are close to the dental nerve, to avoid any risk of damaging the mandibular nerve.

Surgical steps

Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed in a dental office or clinic. After a preliminary consultation and X-rays, the dentist will schedule the surgery. The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.

The procedure is carried out by an experienced dental surgeon and most often done under local anesthesia, which blocks pain while keeping the patient awake and comfortable.

In special cases such as complex extractions or at the patient’s request general anesthesia may be offered. This is done at the clinic in collaboration with a team of anesthesiology and resuscitation professionals. The type of anesthesia is always discussed during the preoperative consultation. Assessing the pros and cons of each option is crucial, especially for anxious patients or those needing multiple extractions in one session. This evaluation should be made in consultation with both the dental surgeon and the anesthetist.

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, side effects typically last around 4 to 5 days. These may include:

• Bleeding: Follow the surgeon’s instructions—apply pressure with gauze for 15 minutes, avoid spitting or rinsing. If bleeding is heavy, contact Chantepoulet Clinic.

• Pain: Personalized pain management will be prescribed during your preoperative consultation. Pain may last from 3 to 7 days.

• Swelling and increased sensitivity: Swelling or discomfort at the extraction site is common. Applying ice can help reduce swelling.

• Bruising: Temporary bruising may appear on the cheek or neck.

• Jaw stiffness: Opening and closing the mouth may be more difficult and painful for a few days. Soft foods are recommended during recovery.

For better management of side effects, follow our practical post-extraction care tips, including dietary suggestions and other helpful recommendations.

Preoperative precautions

Before the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions to reduce complication risks. Avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand and wear comfortable clothing. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you may feel drowsy or disoriented

To summarize, wisdom teeth extraction is often key to maintaining good oral health. It significantly reduces the risk of future dental problems such as:

• Periodontal disease

• Tooth decay

• Damage to nearby teeth

• Misalignment issues

Not sure whether your teenager needs their wisdom teeth removed?
Don’t hesitate contact Chantepoulet Dental Clinic today. We’re here for you, with no judgment—just patience, kindness, and respect. It’s okay to be afraid, but it’s more important to receive care in a calm, gentle, and supportive environment.