Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Dubai

Wisdom teeth - the third molars at the back of the mouth - typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. When there is sufficient space and they erupt correctly, they can remain without issue. When they do not, they become one of the most common sources of dental pain, infection, and crowding in adults.

At Vilafortuny, wisdom tooth assessments and extractions are carried out by Dr. Khaled Alblooshi - a board-certified Consultant Periodontist and Implantologist with over 17 years of specialist experience. Simple and complex surgical cases are both managed in-house, with 3D imaging available for cases where nerve proximity or angulation requires detailed pre-surgical planning.

17+ years of specialist experience in oral surgery and extraction
3D Imaging available for complex cases involving nerve proximity
Since 2006 trusted by patients across Dubai and the wider UAE
Simple vs Surgical Extraction - What's the Difference?

Not all wisdom tooth extractions are the same. The approach depends entirely on the position, angulation, and degree of eruption of the tooth. At your consultation, your surgeon will review your X-ray or CBCT scan and explain clearly which type of extraction is required and why.

Simple Extraction

Used when the wisdom tooth has fully or partially erupted and is accessible without surgical intervention. Performed under local anaesthesia. Recovery is typically two to three days. Most patients return to normal activity the following day.

Surgical Extraction

Required when the tooth is fully or partially impacted beneath the gum or bone, or positioned at an angle that prevents straightforward removal. A small incision is made, bone may be carefully removed, and the tooth is sectioned if necessary. Recovery is four to six days for most patients.

Complex cases

Lower wisdom teeth positioned close to the inferior alveolar nerve require particular care. At Vilafortuny, a 3D CBCT scan is used in these cases to map the exact relationship between the tooth roots and the nerve before surgery - reducing risk and allowing the surgeon to plan the most conservative approach possible.

How the Procedure Works
01
Consultation and Imaging

A clinical examination and X-ray or 3D scan assesses the position, angulation, and root anatomy of the wisdom tooth. Your surgeon explains the findings, the extraction approach, and what to expect - including the type of anaesthesia recommended for your case.

02
Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is administered to fully numb the tooth and surrounding area before the procedure begins. IV sedation is available for patients with significant anxiety or for more complex surgical cases. You will feel pressure during the extraction but no pain.

03
Extraction

For simple extractions, the tooth is loosened and removed using dental instruments. For surgical extractions, a small incision is made in the gum, any overlying bone is carefully removed, and the tooth is extracted - sometimes in sections to minimise the surgical access required. The site is then cleaned and sutured where necessary.

04
Post-Operative Care

Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control initial bleeding. Written and verbal aftercare instructions are provided before you leave. Prescribed pain relief and antibiotics are discussed. A follow-up appointment is arranged to check healing and remove sutures where applicable.

Results
  • Elimination of pain, pressure, and infection caused by the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth
  • Prevention of damage to the adjacent second molar - a common consequence of untreated impaction
  • Reduction in crowding pressure on the front teeth in susceptible patients
  • Removal of a chronic infection source that can affect general health if left untreated
  • Long-term improvement in oral hygiene in the back of the mouth - areas around partially erupted wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to clean
Indications
  • Pain, swelling, or infection around a wisdom tooth - including pericoronitis (infection of the gum flap overlying a partially erupted tooth)
  • Decay in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent second molar caused by impaction
  • A wisdom tooth that is partially erupted and impossible to clean adequately
  • A fully impacted wisdom tooth causing pressure, cyst formation, or bone loss
  • Orthodontic preparation - removal recommended before or during teeth straightening treatment in some cases
  • Recurrent episodes of swelling or infection around an asymptomatic but poorly positioned wisdom tooth

Contraindications

  • Active infection at the site should be controlled with antibiotics before surgical extraction in most cases - your surgeon will advise
  • Uncontrolled systemic conditions including bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or active cardiac conditions require stabilisation before surgery
  • Patients taking blood thinners, bisphosphonates, or anticoagulants should inform the surgical team - a modified approach or medication pause may be required
  • Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and neck region require specialist assessment before any extraction
Before and After Your Extraction

Before The Procedure

  • If sedation is planned, follow fasting instructions provided - typically nothing to eat or drink for six hours before the appointment
  • Arrange transport home - do not drive after the procedure regardless of the anaesthetic used
  • Inform the surgical team of all medications, supplements, and health conditions at your consultation
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the appointment
  • Wear comfortable clothing - particularly if IV sedation is planned

After The Procedure

  • Bite down gently on the gauze provided for 30 to 45 minutes to allow a blood clot to form - this is essential for normal healing
  • Do not use straws for the first 48 hours - suction can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket
  • Do not smoke for at least 72 hours - ideally longer. Smoking is the leading cause of dry socket and delayed healing after extraction
  • Do not rinse forcefully on the day of the procedure - after 24 hours, gentle warm salt water rinses can begin
  • Take prescribed pain relief before the anaesthetic wears off - do not wait until pain becomes severe
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face for the first 24 hours to minimise swelling
  • Follow a soft food diet for the first few days - avoid anything hard, crunchy, or very hot near the extraction site
  • Contact the clinic promptly if you experience worsening pain two to three days after the procedure - this may indicate dry socket, which is easily treated

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not necessarily. Wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, are correctly positioned, and can be cleaned properly do not always require removal. The decision to extract depends on whether the tooth is causing problems - pain, infection, crowding, damage to the adjacent tooth - or is at significant risk of doing so based on its position and angulation. At Vilafortuny, we assess each wisdom tooth individually and only recommend removal when it is clinically justified.

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

The extraction itself is not painful - it is carried out under local anaesthesia so you feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling in the days following is normal and manageable with standard pain relief. For patients who are particularly anxious, IV sedation is available. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience is compared to what they anticipated.

How long does recovery take?

For a straightforward erupted wisdom tooth, most patients are comfortable within two to three days. For a surgical extraction of an impacted tooth, expect four to five days of more noticeable discomfort and swelling, with most people returning to normal activity by the end of the first week. Full healing of the extraction site takes several weeks, though you will not feel it during that time.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed - exposing the bone underneath. It is the most common complication after wisdom tooth extraction and causes a distinct, aching pain that typically begins two to three days after the procedure. To avoid it: do not use straws, do not smoke, do not rinse forcefully for the first 24 hours, and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon. If you suspect dry socket, contact the clinic promptly - it is easily treated.