Wisdom teeth often cause problems: lack of space, an unfavourable angle, or inflammation. We remove wisdom teeth gently under local anaesthetic — usually on an outpatient basis and in a single session.
Wisdom teeth — medically known as third molars — are the last molars to develop, usually only in adulthood. Typically, everyone has four wisdom teeth, though sometimes there are fewer or more. Not every third molar needs to be removed. Surgery is necessary if the tooth does not have enough space to erupt fully, is positioned at an awkward angle, causes inflammation or is crowding neighbouring teeth.
Typical signs of this include pain in the back of the jaw, swelling, a locked jaw or recurring inflammation of the gums around the erupting tooth. If you notice any such symptoms, we recommend a prompt examination.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic — you will be awake but will not feel any pain. If the tooth is in a straightforward position, it can be extracted straight away. If the tooth is impacted or lies deep within the jaw, a small surgical exposure is required: we make an incision in the gum, remove some bone if necessary, and extract the tooth. The wound is then closed with a few stitches. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per side.
To ensure the procedure goes smoothly and the wound heals as well as possible, we recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your wisdom tooth operation. Caffeine and alcohol dilate the blood vessels and can lead to heavier bleeding; nicotine significantly impairs wound healing. Do not take painkillers as a preventative measure — certain active ingredients, such as aspirin, inhibit blood clotting.
In the first 24 hours following wisdom tooth surgery, we recommend: apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, eat soft foods and avoid hot drinks. Do not actively rinse the wound — this can dislodge the blood clot that protects the healing site. Mild swelling and bruising are normal and will disappear within a week. We’ll provide you with detailed written aftercare instructions following the procedure.
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth? We’ll assess the situation and recommend the right course of action — from a check-up to wisdom tooth surgery. Give us a call or book an appointment at Baarerstrasse 12 in Zug.
In most cases, we carry out the wisdom tooth extraction ourselves. If the tooth is in a very unfavourable position in the jaw — for example, if it is in close proximity to a major nerve or blood vessel — we’ll refer you to a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This is rarely necessary, but we’ll make an honest assessment based on the X-rays. Your well-being and the safety of the procedure are our top priorities.
The cost depends on the level of difficulty — a straightforward extraction costs less than surgery for a misaligned molar. Where medically indicated, basic health insurance in Switzerland covers part of the costs. We’ll provide you with transparent information in advance and issue a cost estimate if required.
Book an appointment at our practice at Baarerstrasse 12 in Zug.
In the vast majority of cases, we carry out the extraction directly in our practice. Only in very complex cases — for example, if the tooth is situated in the immediate vicinity of an important nerve — do we refer the patient to an oral surgeon. We make this decision based on X-rays, honestly and transparently.
Wisdom teeth that have only partially erupted or are positioned at an angle in the jaw are very difficult to clean properly. Pockets form between the erupting tooth and the gums, in which bacteria accumulate. The risk of tooth decay on the wisdom tooth itself — as well as on the second molar directly next to it — increases significantly. Early removal therefore protects not only the wisdom tooth, but also the healthy neighbouring teeth.
If you experience wisdom tooth problems during pregnancy, we recommend a consultation. Acute inflammation is treated symptomatically; surgery is postponed until after the birth where possible. However, necessary procedures can usually be carried out safely during the second trimester. Please contact us — we will coordinate the course of action with your gynaecologist.
The earlier a problematic wisdom tooth is removed, the simpler the procedure tends to be and the lower the risk of complications. At a younger age, the jawbone is still softer, the roots are not yet fully developed and healing takes place more quickly. We therefore recommend not waiting too long to address any concerns — early assessment helps to avoid more complex procedures later on.