Wisdom teeth extraction in Geneva

Q: Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

Wisdom teeth extraction in Geneva is performed under local anesthetic. The surgical area is carefully numbed with a local anesthetic. The patient remains conscious throughout the procedure, feeling only pressure and vibration, but no pain. General anaesthesia is rarely required.

Q: How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?

It’s not a good idea to announce the duration of a wisdom teeth extraction operation in advance! Anesthesia and material preparation generally take 5 to 10 minutes. The procedure itself can take from a few minutes to over 60 minutes, depending on the surgical difficulty of the 3rd molar.

Q: Is time off work required for wisdom teeth extraction?

The after-effects of wisdom teeth surgery are highly variable, and time off work is not always prescribed. Depending on the intensity of the post-operative discomfort, we can establish a work stoppage for 1 or even 2 days.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last on the dental arch, which have lost their usefulness in humans over the course of dietary evolution. They generally erupt between the ages of 18 and 25, but can sometimes arrive in the oral cavity much later.

Extraction des dents de sagesse à Genève

We follow the guidelines of the University of Geneva, and generally recommend wisdom teeth extraction before the onset of oral problems.

Why are wisdom teeth a problem?

Wisdom teeth are frequently a source of complications.
Early complications generally occur during the eruption of the wisdom tooth

Pericoronitis is the most frequent complication, and corresponds to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth. It occurs in erupting wisdom teeth that have perforated the oral mucosa, providing an entry point for bacteria. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, trismus (difficulty opening the mouth),…

When the eruption axis of the wisdom tooth is inadequate, or when there is insufficient space available, it can cause damage to the 2nd molar during eruption, without necessarily causing symptoms for the patient.

Late complications usually occur after the eruption of the wisdom tooth: since wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the dental arch, they are not always easy to access for daily oral hygiene care, which can lead to tooth decay.

Why is wisdom teeth extraction generally recommended?

As with any medical procedure, the indication for wisdom tooth extraction must be carefully evaluated. Only when the expected benefits outweigh the risks associated with the procedure is it recommended. Apart from the obvious indications, notably in cases of established pathology (infection, damage to neighboring teeth, caries, cysts), most wisdom teeth extractions are performed as a preventive measure. Depending on age, osseous or orthodontic situation and degree of hygiene, the specialist will be able to assess when the procedure is advisable. We often hear that wisdom teeth need to be extracted to prevent them from pushing their neighbors forward, causing crowding. This notion is controversial, and does not seem to represent sufficient motivation for extraction...

When an extraction is decided upon, it's a good idea to do it early, as surgical complications increase with age. In the case of an extraction for infectious reasons, it is generally advisable to carry out treatments to calm the infection beforehand, so that the operation can be carried out on calmer ground.

How to prepare for wisdom teeth extraction?

Radiographies pour l'extraction des dents de sagesse à Genève

Our treatment of wisdom teeth in Geneva

Wisdom teeth extraction takes place in a dental chair, under sterile conditions to limit the risk of infectious transmission. In complicated cases, a 3D X-ray (volumetric digital tomography) can be taken beforehand to facilitate the surgeon’s work and limit the risks of the operation.

How are wisdom teeth removed in Geneva?

Wisdom teeth are extracted from the chair under local anaesthetic. When the tooth is partially or totally impacted, access to the surgical site is gained by incising the gum. The tooth is then freed by milling the surrounding bone, and sometimes separated into several pieces for extraction. In some cases, even with non-included teeth, it may be necessary to open the gum and release the bone to allow extraction.
The post-operative course varies greatly from patient to patient, and may include minor bleeding, hematoma, pain that subsides with analgesics, swelling of the cheek, and limited mouth opening.
In Geneva, we take every measure to ensure the best possible post-operative period, with the application of biostimulant laser, ice and compressive compresses.

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?

What precautions should be taken after wisdom teeth extraction?

Small details make a big difference… following the post-operative instructions can considerably improve the period after wisdom teeth surgery.
After wisdom teeth extraction, we systematically apply laser treatment to biostimulate healing and reduce post-operative pain.
For the first few days, we ask patients to avoid smoking, consuming hot foods or beverages, preferring a soft warm or cold diet, avoiding strenuous sports activities and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Wisdom teeth extraction in Geneva

Why are wisdom teeth a problem?

Why is wisdom teeth extraction generally recommended?

How to prepare for wisdom teeth extraction?

Our treatment of wisdom teeth in Geneva

How are wisdom teeth removed in Geneva?

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?

What precautions should be taken after wisdom teeth extraction?

Is time off work required for wisdom teeth extraction?

Our experience in wisdom teeth extraction

Recognized expertise in wisdom tooth extraction

Preventive care

A doctrine based on the patient's interest

An ethical commitment

Your comfort

3D Cone Beam CT radiography

Problems linked to this treatment

Toothache

Practitioners who can help with this problem

Dr Fabien Hauser