Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Sharjah

When a wisdom tooth may need to come out, and when it can stay

Removal is usually recommended when a wisdom tooth causes problems or is likely to, for example:

• Repeated infection of the gum over a partly erupted tooth, known as pericoronitis.
• Decay in the wisdom tooth or in the tooth in front of it.
• Gum disease or bone loss around the back teeth.
• A cyst or other change around the tooth seen on an X-ray.
• Pressure on, or damage to, the neighbouring molar.

A wisdom tooth that is fully through, healthy and easy to clean can often stay. A deeply buried tooth with no symptoms may also be left and checked at regular visits. The dentist explains the reasons for or against removal in your case.

Impacted wisdom teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth cannot come through fully. It may lean into the tooth in front, lie on its side or stay inside the bone. A partly erupted tooth leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect, which is why infections are common around it. Impacted lower wisdom teeth are the most common reason for surgical extraction.

Your assessment: X-ray or CBCT and nerve proximity

Before an extraction the dentist examines the tooth, reviews your medical history and medicines, and takes an X-ray. A CBCT scan is added when the roots may be close to the nerve or the sinus.

A panoramic X-ray shows all the teeth and both jaws in one image. When the roots of a lower wisdom tooth seem close to the nerve that gives feeling to the lip and chin, or the roots of an upper tooth reach towards the sinus, a CBCT scan gives a 3D view for planning the extraction.

Tell the dentist about your medicines, especially blood thinners, and about allergies or pregnancy. You are told about the procedure and its risks, and asked for your consent before treatment.

Simple and surgical extraction

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. A tooth that has come through is loosened and lifted out. An impacted tooth may need a small opening in the gum, removal of a little bone or dividing the tooth into pieces, followed by stitches.

A simple extraction is used for a wisdom tooth that has fully come through. A surgical extraction is used when the tooth is impacted, broken or has curved roots. The approach is decided from the examination and the imaging.

Upper and lower wisdom teeth

Upper wisdom teeth often come through and are usually easier to reach, but their roots can sit close to the sinus. Lower wisdom teeth are more often impacted, sit in denser bone near the nerve of the lower jaw and more often need a surgical approach.

Anaesthesia and what you may feel

Wisdom teeth are usually removed in the clinic under local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and the area around it. You stay awake and may feel pressure and movement. If you feel pain, tell the dentist so more anaesthetic can be given.

If you feel anxious, say so when you book. The dentist explains each step before it happens, and you can ask for a pause at any time. If your case needs a different form of anaesthesia, the dentist explains the options and where they are provided.

The first 24 hours, eating and cleaning

These points are general guidance. Follow the written aftercare instructions you receive, as they are made for your treatment.

• After the extraction, bite on gauze to control bleeding and help a clot form. You receive written aftercare instructions and, when needed, return for a review or to have stitches removed.
• On the first day, do not rinse, spit forcefully or drink through a straw, so the blood clot in the socket is not disturbed.
• Avoid smoking and hot drinks, and do not eat until the numbness has worn off.
• Choose soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, cooled soup or eggs, and chew on the other side.
• Brush your other teeth gently, and from the next day rinse with warm salt water after meals if your dentist advises it.
• Take any medicine exactly as prescribed, and rest with your head slightly raised.

Some swelling and stiffness of the jaw is common. How long it lasts varies from person to person.

Possible complications and when to call us

Like any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth extraction carries risks. The dentist explains the risks that apply to your tooth before you agree to treatment. They include:

• Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty opening the mouth.
• Bleeding from the socket.
• Dry socket, when the blood clot is lost and the bone is exposed, causing increasing pain a few days after the extraction.
• Infection of the socket.
• Numbness or tingling of the lip, chin or tongue if the nerve is irritated. This is usually temporary but can occasionally be long lasting.
• Damage to the neighbouring tooth or a filling or, for upper teeth, an opening into the sinus.

Call the clinic if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure on gauze, if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better, if you have a fever or a bad taste with pain, or if numbness does not wear off. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency care straight away.

Removing more than one wisdom tooth in a visit

Two or more wisdom teeth can often be removed in the same visit, depending on their position, your health and your preference. Removing teeth on both sides at once can make eating harder for a while, and the dentist talks this through with you.

What affects the cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Sharjah

We do not publish a single price, because the cost depends on the tooth and the procedure. The main factors are:

• Whether the extraction is simple or surgical.
• How deeply the tooth is impacted and how close it is to the nerve or the sinus.
• How many teeth are removed.
• The imaging needed, such as a panoramic X-ray or a CBCT scan.
• Your insurance cover, which varies by policy.

You receive an estimate after your assessment, before the extraction is booked.

Who you will see

You can read about the dental team on our doctors page. The team includes Dr Ahmed Abou Foul, Specialist Periodontist, a dentist who specialises in the gums and the bone around the teeth. At your assessment the clinic tells you which dentist will carry out your extraction. If your case needs care elsewhere, the dentist explains why and how to arrange it.

Questions about wisdom tooth extraction

Do all wisdom teeth need removing?

No. A wisdom tooth that is healthy, fully through and easy to clean can often stay.

How do I know if mine is impacted?

Signs include a tooth that is only partly visible, a sore or swollen gum at the back of the mouth, or a bad taste. An X-ray confirms its position.

Do I need an X-ray or CBCT first?

An X-ray is needed before an extraction. A CBCT scan is added when the roots may be close to the nerve or the sinus.

What is the difference between simple and surgical extraction?

A simple extraction removes a tooth that has fully come through. A surgical extraction involves a small opening in the gum, sometimes removing a little bone or dividing the tooth, and usually stitches.

What will I feel during it?

Local anaesthetic numbs the area. You may feel pressure and movement; if anything hurts, tell the dentist.

Can more than one be removed in one visit?

Often, yes, depending on the position of the teeth, your health and your preference.

What should I eat afterwards?

Soft, cool foods on the first day, chewing on the other side. Return to your usual diet gradually as your mouth allows.

What is dry socket?

It happens when the blood clot is lost from the socket and the bone is exposed. It causes increasing pain a few days after the extraction and needs a visit to the clinic.

When should I call the clinic afterwards?

If bleeding does not stop with pressure, if pain or swelling gets worse, if you have a fever, or if numbness does not wear off.

Can a wisdom tooth be removed during pregnancy?

Planned extractions are often postponed until after pregnancy, while an infection or severe pain may need treatment sooner. Tell the dentist if you are pregnant.

Does insurance cover it?

Many plans cover an extraction when it is needed, but cover varies, so check with your insurer.

What affects the cost in Sharjah?

Whether the extraction is simple or surgical, how deep the tooth is, how many teeth are removed and the imaging needed.

Book a wisdom tooth assessment

To book, use online booking to choose a time, call the clinic or send a WhatsApp message. aiHealth Medical Center is on Wasit Road, Sharjah. You can also read the dental health blog, see the page on dental implants or go back to the home page.