Are your wisdom teeth bothering you, or are you wondering whether they need to come out? Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the back of the mouth, can cause real trouble. That might mean pain, swelling, or even damage to the teeth around them. At Skydent in Leiden, you can have a wisdom tooth removed safely and by an experienced hand. In this article we walk you through the procedure step by step, explain the complications that can occur, and share practical tips for a quick, comfortable recovery.
What is a wisdom tooth?
A wisdom tooth is the third molar at the very back of the mouth, and it usually appears between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people simply don’t have room for these molars, so they grow in at an angle or only partly break through the gum. That can lead to pain, inflammation, or trouble keeping the area clean. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, though. Plenty grow in without any fuss and never cause a single complaint.
Problems wisdom teeth can cause
Wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems:
Pain and discomfort: Especially when chewing or opening the mouth.
Inflamed gums: The gum around a wisdom tooth can turn red, swollen, and tender.
Damage to neighbouring teeth: A wisdom tooth growing in crooked can push against the teeth next to it, gradually shifting them out of place.
Cysts or infections: In some cases a cyst forms around the root, which calls for further treatment.
If you notice one or more of these signs, treatment at Skydent may be the right step.
How a wisdom tooth is removed at Skydent
1. Consultation and X-ray
At your first appointment, the dentist checks the position of your wisdom teeth. We take an X-ray and give you a personal treatment plan, including a clear explanation of the possible complications and the costs involved.
2. Anaesthetic
The procedure is nearly always done under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the extraction. In some cases we may refer you to an oral surgeon at the hospital for sedation or a light general anaesthetic.
3. The extraction
The dentist removes the wisdom tooth carefully. When a tooth is hard to reach or growing at an angle, we may take it out in smaller pieces to protect the surrounding teeth.
4. Aftercare and stitches
If needed, we place stitches to close the gum. You’ll go home with clear instructions, such as biting down on a piece of gauze to stop the initial bleeding and how to keep the area clean.
5. Recovery
The first 24 to 48 hours matter most:
- Steer clear of hot drinks, hard food, smoking, and alcohol.
- Take painkillers and use cold compresses if you need them.
- Don’t rinse forcefully or drink through a straw, so the blood clot stays put.
6. Follow-up appointment
A follow-up visit may take place after about one to two weeks, for example to remove the stitches. Sometimes a check-up is only needed if something feels wrong. That’s how we make sure your recovery at Skydent stays safe and on track.
Tips for a quick, comfortable recovery
Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle around the spot where the tooth came out.
Stick to soft food for the first few days.
Get in touch with Skydent if you have severe pain, swelling, or a fever.
Follow your dentist’s instructions closely to avoid complications.
In short
Having a wisdom tooth removed can spare you discomfort, pain, and potential complications down the line. At our dental practice in Leiden the procedure is carried out safely and by experienced clinicians, with your comfort and recovery firmly in mind. Want to know more or book an appointment? Visit our practice for further information or get in touch with us directly.
