Wisdom tooth extraction in Busan
A wisdom tooth is removed when it is impacted, decayed, or repeatedly infecting the gum around it. At Dr. Oh's Dental Clinic in Haeundae, Busan, a straightforward extraction takes 15 to 40 minutes under local anaesthetic, and most patients are comfortable again within three to five days.
When a wisdom tooth should come out
- Pericoronitis — recurring infection of the gum flap over a partly erupted tooth
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or, more seriously, in the second molar in front of it
- Impaction pressing against the neighbouring tooth
- Cyst formation around an unerupted tooth, visible on X-ray
- Inability to clean it reliably, leading to repeated problems
A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted, in a normal position and cleanable does not need removing simply for existing. We do not recommend prophylactic extraction of healthy, functional teeth.
Assessment before surgery
A panoramic X-ray shows the position of the roots. Where roots appear close to the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, or to the maxillary sinus above, we take a 3D CT scan to see the relationship precisely. This is the step that determines the surgical approach and the risk discussion, and it is why we do not quote a difficulty or a price before seeing the imaging.
What to expect on the day and afterwards
| When | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First 30 minutes | Gauze pressure, numbness | Bite firmly on the gauze, do not talk or spit |
| Day 1 | Oozing, numbness wearing off | Cold compress, soft food, no rinsing, no straws, no smoking |
| Days 2–3 | Peak swelling, limited mouth opening | Painkillers as prescribed, gentle warm salt-water rinses from day 2 |
| Days 4–7 | Swelling subsides, discomfort fades | Return to normal brushing, avoid the socket |
| 1 week | Review; sutures removed if not dissolving | Attend the follow-up appointment |
Contact us if pain increases sharply around day three to five rather than improving. That pattern suggests a dry socket, which is easily treated but needs to be seen.
Risks we will discuss with you
The main ones are temporary or, rarely, lasting altered sensation in the lip or tongue when the roots lie against the nerve; a communication with the sinus when removing upper wisdom teeth; dry socket; and infection. These are uncommon, but you are entitled to hear about them before consenting, in language you understand, and we go through them in English.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery from wisdom tooth removal take?
Most people are comfortable within three to five days and back to normal eating within a week. Simple upper extractions heal faster than impacted lower ones. Avoid strenuous exercise, smoking and alcohol for the first few days, as all three interfere with clot formation.
Is wisdom tooth extraction covered by Korean health insurance?
Yes, extractions are covered by National Health Insurance, including surgical removal of impacted teeth, so you pay a co-payment rather than the full fee. Foreign residents enrolled in NHIS are covered on the same terms as Korean nationals.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
It is possible, but we usually recommend one side at a time so you can chew comfortably on the other. If your schedule requires doing more in a single visit, we will discuss whether your case is suitable and what the recovery would realistically look like.
Can I go to work the next day?
After a simple extraction, usually yes. After a surgically removed impacted lower wisdom tooth, take the following day off if you can — swelling and limited jaw opening peak around 48 hours. Book a Friday if that helps, subject to our Friday hours.