X-ray image with displaced wisdom teeth

Tooth extraction - a routine procedure

Surgical removal of a tooth may become necessary in the case of brittle tooth roots, when a tooth neck is destroyed or badly damaged, or when the tooth root is curved or angled.

A tooth extraction is a routine procedure that we usually carry out under local anaesthesia. If the tooth is in a complicated position, if several teeth are to be removed or if you wish, the procedure can also be carried out under general anaesthesia or in twilight sleep (analgosedation).

Wisdom teeth

If there is not enough room, wisdom teeth cannot take their place in the row of teeth. They remain covered by bone in the jaw (retention) or only erupt partially (partial retention).

Reasons for surgical removal are inflammation of the bone and mucous membrane, the risk of damage to or displacement of the neighbouring teeth, and the formation of cysts. If the wisdom tooth lies close to the nerve of the lower jaw, we take a three-dimensional volume tomography in order to minimise the risk of nerve damage.

The most important facts at a glance

  • Removing a tooth is a routine procedure that is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.
  • On request, or if the position is complicated, the procedure is also possible under general anaesthetic or in twilight sedation.
  • If there is not enough room in the jaw, wisdom teeth remain impacted or only partly break through.
  • Reasons for removal are inflammation, impending damage to neighbouring teeth and the formation of cysts.
  • If a wisdom tooth lies close to the nerve of the lower jaw, a three-dimensional image is taken beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
No. They are removed when they cause problems – for example with recurring inflammation, imminent damage to the neighbouring teeth or cyst formation. Symptom-free, well-positioned wisdom teeth can stay.
Will I be given a local anaesthetic or will I be asleep?
The standard is local anaesthesia. If the position is difficult, if several teeth are treated at once or if you wish it, we also treat under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Why is a 3D X-ray taken beforehand?
If a wisdom tooth lies close to the nerve of the lower jaw, a three-dimensional scan shows the exact distance. This allows the risk of nerve damage to be reduced considerably.
When does a tooth have to be removed surgically?
For example with brittle or curved roots, with a severely destroyed crown or when the tooth lies within the bone. It is then not simply pulled but surgically exposed.