Wisdom Tooth Removal: Procedure, Pain and Cost – What to Expect
Few procedures are as common – and few are surrounded by as many myths. A swollen cheek, a week of soup, days in bed: that picture dates from a time before minimally invasive surgery. At our clinic in Basel, removing a wisdom tooth takes on average 5 to a maximum of 20 minutes, swelling and wound pain are usually avoided entirely, and most of our patients are back to normal activity the next day. This guide explains when wisdom teeth need to come out, how the procedure works, what it costs – and what to bear in mind afterwards.
Do wisdom teeth have to come out at all?
Not automatically. Fully erupted, healthy and easily accessible wisdom teeth can stay. In most people, however, the jaw lacks the space: the teeth sit at an angle, only partly break through or remain in the bone altogether. They then become a permanent trouble spot – and removal is the better decision, before symptoms develop.
Clear reasons for removal are recurring inflammation of the gum over the tooth, decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring tooth, pressure on the row of teeth, cysts, or planned orthodontic treatment. One aspect that is often overlooked: a partly erupted wisdom tooth is frequently a silent source of inflammation that puts a constant strain on the body without ever hurting. In our interdisciplinary biological dentistry, eliminating such foci is one of the fundamentals.
The best time is between 18 and 25: the roots are not yet fully formed, the bone is more elastic and healing is faster. It works just as well later – the procedure is simply sometimes a little more involved.
Wisdom tooth pain: what lies behind it
Pain at a wisdom tooth usually has one of three causes. The most common is inflammation of the gum flap (pericoronitis): a pocket forms over the half-erupted tooth in which food debris and bacteria collect. The gum swells, the angle of the jaw aches, the pain often radiates to the ear, and the mouth opens less easily. The second cause is tooth decay – wisdom teeth are almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush, and decay in a wisdom tooth readily spreads to the neighbouring tooth. The third is simple pressure pain during eruption, when the tooth pushes against its neighbour or the bone.
What you can do: cool from the outside, do not apply heat; take a common painkiller such as ibuprofen; keep the area gently clean, even if it is uncomfortable. What you should not do: wait. Pericoronitis comes back, and each episode is worse. If swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing develop, that is an emergency – contact us the same day.
How the removal works
Before the procedure, an X-ray clarifies the position of the tooth. For impacted teeth we take a 3D scan (CBCT) if needed: it shows the distance to the lower jaw nerve and the sinus to the millimetre, so both are reliably protected during the procedure. Then we discuss the anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is sufficient for most people; anyone who is anxious additionally breathes nitrous oxide and experiences the procedure relaxed and fully conscious. For the removal of all four teeth in one session, or in cases of pronounced anxiety, we offer twilight sedation or general anaesthesia administered by an anaesthetics team.
The procedure itself: the tooth is exposed, divided if necessary and removed in sections, the wound is cleaned and sutured. We work atraumatically and minimally invasively – as gently as possible for the surrounding tissue. Per tooth, this takes on average 5 to a maximum of 20 minutes at our clinic. Additional wound-care measures ensure that healing proceeds undisturbed from the outset.
In most cases we recommend having all four wisdom teeth removed in one session – one appointment, one anaesthetic, one healing phase. With severely impacted teeth we generally proceed one side at a time.
Pain and swelling afterwards – the exception, not the rule
This is where the experience at our clinic differs most clearly from what many people expect. Thanks to the atraumatic surgical technique and the wound-care measures, swelling and wound pain are usually avoided entirely; the risk of inflammation, severe pain and similar complications is practically ruled out. Cooling during the first few hours provides additional support. Should mild wound pain occur after all, a common painkiller is enough – ibuprofen, not aspirin, because aspirin inhibits blood clotting. Taking antibiotics is not necessary.
In most cases our patients are not off work at all. Only rarely is a break needed, and then a maximum of one to two days. The stitches are removed after around seven to ten days – a short check-up at which we look at the healing. Should you nevertheless have any complaints, please contact us immediately; we will look at the wound the same day.
What to bear in mind after the procedure
Eating: basically anything – just not too hot. Soft food is more comfortable on the first day, but not a rule. Drinking: plenty, but without a straw, because the suction can dislodge the protective blood clot in the wound. Brushing: yes, from the first day, carefully avoiding the wound itself. Mouth rinses only as instructed by us.
Leave out for the first few days: sport and heavy lifting, nicotine and alcohol, sauna and hot baths – anything that strongly stimulates circulation or disturbs wound healing. Keep your head slightly raised at night. And: no constant checking of the wound with your tongue. The blood clot is the best wound dressing there is – leave it alone.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Switzerland?
The cost depends on three things: how many teeth are removed, how they are positioned – an erupted tooth is removed faster than one deeply impacted in the bone – and which anaesthesia you choose. Nitrous oxide is charged per session in addition, twilight sedation and general anaesthesia by duration through the anaesthetics team. After the X-ray, we quote the price for your situation, usually as a fixed package – with no surprises.
Basic health insurance in Switzerland covers wisdom tooth removal only in exceptional cases, for instance with certain diseases of the jaw. As a rule it is paid privately; many supplementary dental insurance plans contribute, and after an accident the accident insurance pays. We will provide the necessary documents on request. At our clinic in Basel, dentist Boris Nikas carries out the removal personally, with over 20 years of experience in oral surgery – from a simple extraction to a deeply impacted tooth.
Reviewed by dentist Boris Nikas, St. Albantor-Zahnarzt Basel. Last updated: September 2026.
Frequently asked questions about Wisdom tooth removal
How long does it take to remove a wisdom tooth?
At our clinic, on average 5 to a maximum of 20 minutes per tooth. The appointment itself takes correspondingly longer, including anaesthesia and suturing.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
Not during the procedure – the anaesthetic works reliably, and under nitrous oxide you hardly notice the injection. Afterwards, swelling and wound pain are usually avoided entirely with our surgical technique.
How long does the pain last after wisdom tooth removal?
At our clinic, usually there is none. If mild wound pain does occur, it responds well to a common painkiller and subsides within one to two days. Pain that gets worse after three to four days needs to be seen in the practice immediately – but does not occur with us.
Do all four wisdom teeth have to come out at once?
In most cases we recommend it: one appointment, one anaesthetic, one healing phase. With severely impacted wisdom teeth we generally proceed one side at a time.
What can I eat after wisdom tooth removal?
Basically anything – just not too hot. Soft food is more comfortable on the first day. Avoid alcohol and nicotine for a few days and drink without a straw.
How long will I be off work after wisdom tooth surgery?
In most cases at our clinic, not at all. Only rarely is a break needed, and then a maximum of one to two days. You should avoid sport for a few days.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
That depends on the number and position of the teeth and on the anaesthesia. After the X-ray, we quote the price, usually as a fixed package. Basic insurance pays only in exceptional cases; many supplementary plans contribute.
Can I have my wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthesia?
Yes. For all four teeth in one session, or in cases of pronounced anxiety, we offer twilight sedation and general anaesthesia administered by an anaesthetics team. For most people, however, local anaesthesia is sufficient, with nitrous oxide if you wish.
Terms from the Dental Glossary
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Wisdom tooth removal in Basel – oral surgery
More on this treatment at our dental clinic in Basel – procedure, benefits and consultation.
Nitrous oxide & general anaesthesia for anxious patients
More on this treatment at our dental clinic in Basel – procedure, benefits and consultation.