Wisdom and Impacted Tooth Extraction

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that stays inside the jawbone or gum and cannot come through into its normal position in the mouth. It is most common in the upper and lower wisdom teeth, but canine teeth can also become impacted. The most common reasons are lack of space in the jaw, the tooth growing at an angle or something blocking its path.

When Does It Need to Be Removed?

Not every impacted tooth needs to be removed. Teeth that cause no problems and can be followed with regular check-ups may be left in place. Removal is usually recommended in the following situations:

• When there is recurring inflammation, swelling and pain around the tooth (pericoronitis)
• When the impacted tooth pushes against the neighbouring tooth or causes decay in it
• When a cyst is found around the tooth
• When it is needed for orthodontic treatment or denture planning
• When the tooth has only partly come through and keeps causing problems because it cannot be cleaned

We make this decision with a panoramic X-ray and, when needed, a 3D CT scan, assessing the distance between the tooth and structures such as nerves and the sinus.

The Impacted Tooth Extraction Process

Impacted tooth extraction is usually done under local anaesthesia. The gum over the tooth is opened and, if needed, a small amount of the surrounding bone is removed so the tooth can be taken out in a controlled way. The area is then cleaned, stitched if necessary, and healing begins.

Impacted and wisdom tooth extractions fall within oral and maxillofacial surgery. At our practice, these procedures are planned and carried out personally by Dr. Seçil D. Sümengen Yazıcı, a specialist in this field. How long the procedure takes depends on the position of the tooth and how deep it lies in the bone.

A Comfortable and Safe Procedure

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia in a controlled way.
The neighbouring teeth and surrounding tissues are protected.
The risk of infection is kept to a minimum.
Nerves and surrounding structures are assessed with imaging beforehand.
Treatment is completed quickly and safely.

Healing After Extraction

After the extraction there may be mild pain, swelling and sensitivity for a few days, and these usually ease quickly. Swelling is usually most noticeable on the second or third day and then starts to go down. If stitches were placed, they are removed at the check-up about a week later.

• Bite on the gauze placed in your mouth for between 30 minutes and 1 hour after the extraction.
• For the first 24 hours, avoid hot food and drinks, smoking and using a straw.
• On the first day, do not spit or rinse your mouth vigorously.
• Apply cold compresses to the outside of your face at intervals for the first 48 hours.
• Choose soft, lukewarm foods for a few days.
• Take the medication provided regularly. Keep gently brushing the teeth outside the extraction area with a soft brush.

If you follow your clinician’s advice, healing goes quickly and smoothly, and the pain, pressure and risk of infection caused by the impacted tooth are removed.

Content: Dr. Seçil D. Sümengen Yazıcı, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Last updated: 29 September 2026