ORAL SURGERY · WISDOM TEETH DÜSSELDORF
Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
Not always — but surgical findings rarely improve by themselves. We explain what applies to your case, plainly and before you decide.
Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
No. A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted, is properly positioned and can be cleaned can often stay. Removal becomes advisable when a tooth is impacted, repeatedly inflamed, damaging the neighbouring tooth, or when there is not enough room. Whether that applies to you is decided by the findings and the X-ray, not by a rule of thumb.
WHY TIMING MATTERS
A procedure that waits rarely gets smaller.
None of this is an emergency. But surgical findings develop further, usually unnoticed: a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed again at intervals, and with each inflammation the surrounding tissue gets worse. A cyst grows quietly and displaces bone that later has to be rebuilt. A chronic inflammation at the root tip destroys bone without hurting.
The practical point: the earlier a procedure takes place, the smaller it usually is — shorter treatment time, less swelling, less often a bone graft. This is not an argument for haste, but against waiting for years.
Recurring inflammation
Each episode leaves tissue that heals worse. This makes the procedure more involved, not simpler.
Caries on the neighbouring tooth
The back of the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth is hard to clean. If caries there is missed, you end up losing two teeth instead of one.
Bone that recedes
After tooth loss and with silent inflammation, bone breaks down. What is standard today may need a graft in two years.
OUR PROCEDURES
What we treat surgically.
Wisdom tooth removal
Under local anaesthetic, gently, with a clear aftercare plan. Impacted teeth are planned precisely from X-rays.
Bone grafting
Targeted build-up of jawbone as a basis for implants — from a small defect to a sinus lift.
Tooth removal & more
Teeth that cannot be saved, lip/tongue ties and smaller procedures of the oral mucosa — with honest disclosure of alternatives.
After every procedure you receive clear aftercare rules and a follow-up check. If you have dental anxiety, we discuss beforehand how to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
YOUR PATH THROUGH THE PROCEDURE
Four stages, no surprises.
The most common reason for fear of a procedure is not the procedure itself, but not knowing what happens. So here is the complete process, exactly as it takes place with us.
01
Findings and X-ray
First we clarify what is actually there. For impacted wisdom teeth and procedures near nerves, a three-dimensional scan is standard — it shows the course of the lower jaw nerve and the proximity to the sinus, which cannot be assessed on a flat image.
02
Disclosure, without rushing
You see your scan and we go through it together: what will be done, what the alternatives are, what risks exist and how long you will likely be affected. You receive everything in writing and take it with you — nothing is signed at the first appointment.
03
The procedure
Under local anaesthetic, with sedation on request. Impacted teeth are removed in sections to protect the surrounding tissue. The wound is sutured. An uncomplicated wisdom tooth takes about 15 to 30 minutes to remove, an impacted one 30 to 60 minutes. Plan for around 60 to 90 minutes at the practice, including preparation and the anaesthetic taking effect.
04
The days after
Cooling in the first 24 hours, no rinsing on the day of the procedure, no nicotine, soft food. Swelling peaks around the second day. You receive the information sheet with all the rules — and a number where you can reach us if something does not go as described.
You do not go home with just an information sheet: we discuss cooling, painkillers and diet in person — and you can reach us if anything is unclear.
RISKS & DISCLOSURE
What can happen, before you consent.
Oral surgery procedures are well documented and uneventful in the vast majority of cases. Even so, disclosure comes before the decision, not after. We discuss these points with you personally, based on your findings.
Swelling and limited mouth opening
EXPECTED, NOT A COMPLICATION
Both peak around the second day and then subside. Cooling helps in the first 24 hours.
Post-operative bleeding
RARE, WELL MANAGED
Mild bleeding on the day of the procedure is normal. Persistent bleeding usually stops with 20 minutes of firm pressure using a clean compress. If it does not stop, call us.
Delayed wound healing
HIGHER RISK WITH NICOTINE
If the blood clot dislodges from the empty tooth socket, a very painful condition develops from around the third day. Well treatable, but a reason to call immediately rather than wait.
Nerve proximity in the lower jaw
THE REASON FOR THE 3D SCAN
With impacted lower wisdom teeth, the nerve can run close to the tooth. Temporary numbness of the lip or chin is possible, permanent impairment is rare. That is exactly why we plan in three dimensions beforehand instead of estimating in the chair.
Connection to the sinus
POSSIBLE IN THE UPPER JAW
With upper jaw procedures a connection to the sinus can occur. It is closed during the same procedure and usually heals without consequences — provided you follow the aftercare rules in the days after.
This overview does not replace a personal consultation. Before every procedure we go through your findings, the alternatives and the risks relevant to you individually — in English, German, Spanish or Portuguese.
RELATED TREATMENTS
BEFORE YOUR DECISION
The questions we are asked most often.
All four wisdom teeth at once, or one side at a time?
Both are possible. Side by side preserves chewing ability and spreads the load; all four in one session shortens the total downtime. The decision follows the findings and your situation — tell us at the consultation which matters more to you.
How long will I be affected?
In uncomplicated cases two to three days, somewhat longer with impacted teeth. Plan the appointment so that a quiet weekend or two free days follow.
Is treatment under sedation available?
Yes. For patients with marked anxiety or more extensive procedures, various options are available. What suits your case depends on the procedure and your medical history, and is discussed beforehand, not on the day of treatment.
Does insurance cover the procedure?
With a medical indication, usually yes. Additional services such as sedation or a three-dimensional X-ray can be a private cost and are shown in writing beforehand.
What if there are problems at the weekend?
You receive a number where you can reach us. For severe pain outside our hours, the Central Dental Emergency Service Düsseldorf is available without an appointment: 0211 157 60 900, Florastraße 36.
Can I get a second opinion?
Any time, and we do not take it personally. For a recommended surgical procedure, a second assessment is explicitly worthwhile. You receive the findings and scans digitally so you can present them.
INFORMATION SHEETS TO PRINT
What to expect before and after the procedure.
A4 documents in four languages. No sign-up, no email address.
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After a surgical procedure
Cooling, eating, care — and the warning signs.