01Why Wisdom Teeth Become a Problem
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last molars to erupt, at the very back of the mouth. Modern jaws often don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth to properly fit, so it’s common for them to come in at an angle or become buried in the gum — impacted wisdom teeth are common.
| Form | Condition | Extraction Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Eruption | Erupted straight and biting properly | Low — preservation is also possible |
| Partial Impaction | Only partly emerged from the gum | Medium — repeated food trapping/inflammation |
| Horizontal Impaction | Lying sideways, pushing against the molar | High — requires gum incision, tooth sectioning |
| Full Impaction | Completely buried in bone | High — precise diagnosis essential |
02Do I Have to Extract Every One? — Criteria for Extraction vs. Preservation
The statement “wisdom teeth must always be extracted” isn’t accurate. Seongmo Dental sets criteria so that extraction itself doesn’t become overtreatment.
When Extraction Is Recommended
- When an impacted wisdom tooth is pushing the neighboring molar or causing cavities
- When the gum around the wisdom tooth repeatedly swells and hurts (pericoronitis)
- When a cavity has formed in a spot the toothbrush can’t reach, and recurrence is likely
- When findings suggest a cyst nearby
Cases You Can Watch
- Wisdom teeth that erupted straight, bite properly, and can be brushed
- Fully impacted with no symptoms or lesions — monitored with regular X-rays
If extraction is needed, doing it in your 20s is advantageous for recovery and complication rates. As you age, the bone hardens, increasing difficulty and recovery time. “If you’re going to extract it eventually, when is the best time” is also explained during diagnosis.
03Seongmo Dental’s Safe Extraction System
The biggest concern with lower wisdom tooth extraction is the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs just below the root. Seongmo Dental manages this risk with equipment and protocol.
- 3D CT Nerve Canal Analysis — A 2D panoramic image only shows whether the nerve canal and root overlap. Low-dose 3D CT confirms the actual distance and positional relationship three-dimensionally before planning the extraction.
- Speed-Adjustable Electric Motor — Slow and delicate near the nerve, efficient in safe zones. Reduces tissue damage by shortening surgical time.
- Precision Extraction Instruments — Precision instruments from Sweden’s Directa, the US’s Hu-Friedy, and others reduce damage to surrounding bone and gum.
- Honest Referral Criteria — For extremely difficult cases with severe nerve adhesion, we don’t force it — if referral to a higher-level hospital is judged safer, we recommend that. Being transparent about this standard is also part of safety, in our view.
04Anesthesia — Reducing the Pain of the Injection First
Most of the fear around extraction starts with the anesthesia injection. Seongmo Dental takes a 3-stage approach.
Surface Anesthesia
First numbs the sensation of the mucosa where the needle will touch.
i-ject Computer-Controlled Anesthesia
With a 31G ultra-fine needle, a computer keeps injection speed and pressure constant, reducing pressure-related pain.
Quicksleeper Intraosseous Anesthesia (When Needed)
When inflammation makes anesthesia hard to achieve, anesthetizing directly inside the bone provides a deep anesthetic effect.
During extraction, what’s typically felt is more pressure and vibration than pain. The degree of pain reduction varies by individual.
05Cost — Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is Covered by Insurance
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure covered by National Health Insurance. The out-of-pocket cost varies depending on whether it’s a simple extraction or an impacted extraction requiring gum incision, bone removal, or tooth sectioning, generally ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of won. The 3D CT recommended for cases near the nerve canal may incur a separate cost, but it’s a valuable exam for preventing nerve damage.
Wisdom tooth extraction is also one of the most common dental procedures eligible for private insurance claims. Claim documents like detailed treatment fee statements are issued at the front desk.
06Extraction Process and Recovery Timeline
Diagnosis
After a panoramic image, a 3D CT provides precise analysis depending on the impaction form and proximity to the nerve canal.
Anesthesia
The 3-stage anesthesia reduces the pain burden.
Extraction
For impacted wisdom teeth, the gum is incised minimally, and the tooth is sectioned into pieces and removed if needed. A simple extraction takes a few minutes; an impacted extraction usually takes around 30 minutes.
Suturing and Bleeding Control
After cleaning, the site is sutured and gauze is bitten for 30-60 minutes to stop bleeding. We provide aftercare instructions and prescribed medication.
Follow-Up and Suture Removal
Sutures are removed and recovery is checked about a week later.
Recovery Timeline
| Time | Typical Progress |
|---|---|
| Same Day | Dull pain once anesthesia wears off — managed with prescribed medication, cold compress |
| 1-3 Days | Swelling peaks (day 2-3), light bruising possible |
| 4-7 Days | Pain/swelling decrease, sutures removed |
| 2 Weeks+ | Gum surface heals — the socket and interior fill in over several months |
07Aftercare — Avoiding Dry Socket
The complication to avoid most after extraction is dry socket. If the blood clot that forms at the extraction site comes off too early, exposing the bone, pain that’s hard to control even with painkillers can start from day 2-4 after extraction.
Please Follow These
- Same day: No straws, spitting, or vigorous rinsing (protects the blood clot), cold compress, take prescribed medication
- 1 week: No alcohol or smoking — smoking significantly increases dry socket risk
- Eating: Chew on the opposite side, start with soft, lukewarm food
- Brushing: Gently, avoiding the extraction site; gently swish and spit prescribed rinse
- Exercise/sauna: Avoid for at least a week
If pain actually worsens starting day 2-4 (suspected dry socket), if bleeding continues for 24+ hours, if there’s fever or pus, or if lip/chin numbness persists beyond a week, call 02-922-3966 during clinic hours and we’ll advise you first.
08Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to extract every wisdom tooth?
Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt a lot?
How much does it cost?
I heard lower wisdom teeth can damage a nerve — is that a concern?
Can I get all four extracted at once?
When can I return to daily life after extraction?
What is dry socket?
I’m trying to get pregnant — should I have wisdom teeth extracted beforehand?
Check whether your wisdom tooth needs extraction
We check the distance to the nerve with 3D CT and distinguish which wisdom teeth to extract and which to watch.
30 sec from Exit 2, Sungshin Women’s Univ. Station · Tuesday evening hours · Saturday, open through lunch
Tue 09:30-20:00 (evening hours)
Sat 09:30-14:30 (no lunch break)
Lunch 13:00-14:30 · Closed Thu/Sun/holidays
30 sec on foot from Exit 2, Sungshin Women’s Univ. Station
2 hours free parking with Yuta Mall registration
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This content is provided for general informational purposes about dental treatment and does not guarantee the effect or outcome of any specific treatment. Treatment methods, duration, cost, and the possibility of side effects vary by individual oral condition, so please confirm an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan through an in-person consultation. For detailed fees on non-covered treatment, see the Non-Covered Fee Guide.