Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Price and Procedure
Ambulatory procedure to extract third molars when they cause pain, infection or space problems. Recovery in a few days.
- Ambulatory procedure (no hospital required)
- Local anesthesia (or sedation if needed)
- Recovery of 3-7 days
Free, no signup, no commitment
What is it?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last molars to erupt, normally between 17 and 25 years old. Many people don't have enough space in the jaw to accommodate them, which causes: partial eruption, infections (pericoronitis), crowding of front teeth, cavities of the molar itself or the neighboring molar, and cysts in advanced cases.
When they cause problems, extraction is recommended before the situation worsens. Extraction is classified by molar position: simple (when erupted and can be extracted like any tooth), surgical (when partially erupted or impacted requiring opening the gum) or complex (when fully impacted in bone requiring drilling).
It is an ambulatory procedure: done in the clinic with local anesthesia (or conscious sedation for anxious patients), normally in a single visit per molar. Recovery is 3-7 days depending on extraction complexity.
How is the process?
- 1
Assessment and X-ray
A panoramic X-ray is taken to see the exact position of the molar, its relation to the dental nerve and neighboring teeth.
- 2
Local anesthesia
The area is numbed with local anesthesia. In anxious patients it can be combined with conscious sedation (nitrous oxide or IV sedation).
- 3
Extraction
By type: simple (luxation and extraction in a few minutes), surgical (gum incision, extraction and suture) or complex (incision, limited bone osteotomy, extraction and suture). Lasts between 15 and 60 minutes.
- 4
Suture and post-op
In surgical extractions 1-3 sutures are placed. Care instructions and prescription of pain relievers and antibiotics if necessary are given.
- 5
Review and suture removal
At 7-10 days you go to the clinic to review healing and remove sutures (if not absorbable).
How long does it take?
The extraction itself lasts between 15 minutes (simple) and 60 minutes (complex). Functional recovery (eating normally) usually takes 5-7 days. Complete gum healing takes 2-4 weeks and internal bone 3-6 months, although without discomfort.
What is included
- Diagnostic panoramic X-ray
- Local anesthesia
- Extraction procedure
- Suture when applicable
- Prescription of pain relievers and antibiotics if necessary
- Post-op review at one week
- Suture removal (if not absorbable)
What is NOT included
- Conscious sedation (usually an additional cost)
- Treatment of rare complications (dry socket, post-op infection) if requiring extended additional visits
- Treatments on other affected molars
- Treatment of cavities in adjacent molars
Expected results
Relief of pre-existing pain (if the molar was causing pain) is usually immediate after extraction, once the initial inflammation passes. Post-op discomfort (inflammation, mild pain) is normal the first 3-4 days and subsides with pain relievers. At 2 weeks most patients are completely recovered.
Aftercare
- First 24h: bite gauze 30-45 minutes, intermittent local cold (15 min), no rinsing, no spitting, no smoking
- 24-72h: soft and cool/warm diet (yogurt, purée, warm soup), no straws
- Take medication exactly as prescribed by the dentist (including the complete antibiotic)
- From day 3: gentle rinses with warm salt water
- Return to normal feeding from day 5-7 according to evolution
- Attend the scheduled review and notify if there is intense pain on day 3 (may be dry socket)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to extract a wisdom tooth?
It depends on the complexity of the extraction: simple, surgical with gum opening, or complex with bone drilling. The X-ray determines which is your case. To know your personalized price, upload a photo to our AI calculator — it analyzes your case and shows you the price range in 30 seconds. Free, no commitment.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
No, only those that cause or may cause problems. If a wisdom tooth has erupted correctly, is well positioned and can be cleaned well, there is no reason to extract it. The indication to extract is given by the dentist based on X-ray and symptoms.
Does the extraction hurt?
During the extraction no, thanks to local anesthesia. After there may be post-op discomfort the first 2-4 days controlled with common pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol). Pain level depends on extraction complexity.
How long is recovery?
Functional recovery (normal life) takes 3-7 days. Gum healing 2-4 weeks. Complete bone closure 3-6 months, although without discomfort during that time.
Is it better with sedation?
For anxious patients or complex multiple extractions, conscious sedation (nitrous oxide or IV sedation) makes the procedure much more comfortable. It has an extra cost that varies by clinic, but many people consider it worth it.
When is it an emergency?
When there is persistent acute pain, fever, visible facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate pericoronitis (molar infection) and require immediate antibiotic treatment followed by extraction.
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