Treatment

What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth often lack room to come in straight. Partly erupted teeth trap food and cause gum infection, and tilted ones can damage the tooth in front.

Many Gangnam clinics handle routine and impacted extractions in-house, and refer very deep teeth close to the nerve to oral surgeons.

How it works

A panoramic X-ray is taken, and a CT scan when a lower tooth sits near the inferior alveolar nerve. Upper and fully erupted teeth are often lifted out in one piece. Impacted teeth need a small gum incision, removal of some bone and cutting the tooth into sections, followed by stitches.

Who it suits

Repeated gum infection around a partly erupted tooth
Decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar in front
Teeth causing pain or crowding
Removal before orthodontic treatment

Who should skip it or wait

Fully erupted, healthy, cleanable wisdom teeth
People on blood thinners without their doctor's advice
Anyone flying within 24 hours of surgery

Side effects and risks

Dry socket, a painful exposed socket, usually on day 2 to 4
Temporary or rarely lasting lip or tongue numbness
Infection
Bleeding
Sinus opening with upper teeth

Aftercare

Bite on gauze for 1 to 2 hours
Do not spit, smoke or use straws for 3 days
Ice the cheek for the first 48 hours
Eat soft food and avoid alcohol
Take antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed

Planning around your trip

Leave at least 3 to 5 days after an impacted extraction before a long-haul flight, and ask if self-dissolving stitches can be used.

Dental clinics near Apgujeong

Seok Plant Dental Hospital (석플란트치과병원)
Dental, 13 min walk from Hakdong Station
S Plant Dental Hospital (에스플란트치과병원)
Dental, 8 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station
Apgujeong Oracle Dental Clinic (압구정오라클치과의원)
Dental, 3 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Eastman Orthodontics Dental Clinic (이스트만치과교정과치과의원)
Dental, 1 min walk from Apgujeong Station
O&O Dental Clinic (오앤오치과의원)
Dental, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station
The Face Dental Clinic (더페이스치과의원)
Dental, 7 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Dream Orthodontics Dental Clinic (드림치과교정과치과의원)
Dental, 6 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Smile D Dental Clinic (스마일디치과의원)
Dental, 2 min walk from Sinsa Station

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction questions

Can all four wisdom teeth be removed in one visit?

Some clinics remove two on the same side at once so you can chew on the other side. All four in one session is possible, more often with sedation.

Why do I need a CT scan?

It shows exactly how close the roots are to the nerve that supplies the lower lip and chin, which affects technique and risk.

When can I fly after extraction?

Many dentists suggest waiting about 24 to 48 hours for simple cases and a few days for impacted teeth, to lower the risk of bleeding and dry socket.

What does dry socket feel like?

Strong throbbing pain that starts 2 to 4 days after surgery and often spreads to the ear. Return to the clinic, as a dressing eases it quickly.

Can I exercise after extraction?

Avoid hard exercise for about 3 days, as raised blood pressure can restart bleeding.

Should I remove a wisdom tooth that does not hurt?

Not always. A fully erupted, cleanable tooth can stay. Partly erupted or tilted lower teeth that trap food are often removed before they cause infection or decay in the next molar.

Questions before you visit?

Dental · 사랑니 발치

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Quick facts