Another common question, after informing the patient that their third molars need to be extracted, is "when" and "how many".
- When? – As soon as possible. Once it is determined that a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted, it should be removed as quickly as possible. This is always followed by the question "why?". The answer is simple: the younger the patient, the more elastic the bone, and statistically, the extraction is much easier than in an older patient. Another advantage is if the roots have not fully developed. Then the extraction is even easier. Early removal of wisdom teeth also eliminates another risk – greater surgical trauma. If a piece of the root happens to break off, it is highly likely that it is not infected and can be left in the bone without any future problems.
- How many? – There is an outdated understanding that not all wisdom teeth can be removed at once. From a medical point of view, it is preferable to extract all wisdom teeth simultaneously. This way, patients go through a surgical intervention only once. They receive anesthesia once and take antibiotics once (although prescribing antibiotics after wisdom tooth extraction in a healthy patient is contraindicated). The only obstacle to such an extraction is the subjective preference of the patient themselves. If they refuse to have more than one tooth removed, the doctor is obliged to respect their decision.
