Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most sought-after surgical procedures in the heart of the United Arab Emirates – Dubai. A city renowned for its ultra-modern architecture, lavish lifestyle, and world-class healthcare facilities, Dubai offers top-notch dental services, and wisdom teeth extraction is no exception. Whether you’re a resident battling discomfort from impacted wisdom teeth or a visitor looking to combine healthcare with leisure, our guide provides detailed insights into this common dental procedure.Â
From understanding the process, costs, and recovery timeline to the best dental clinics specialising in oral surgery, our goal is to make your wisdom teeth extraction journey in Dubai as seamless and worry-free as possible. You can expect to find a perfect blend of quality, comfort, and sophistication in Dubai’s dental care.
Table of Contents
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common oral surgery that involves removing one or more of your third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. These teeth are the last ones to erupt, typically appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood (between the ages of 17 to 25). Sometimes, due to limited space in the mouth, these teeth can become impacted, meaning they do not have enough room to grow normally.
Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. This abnormal growth can lead to complications, such as pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or the formation of a cyst around the wisdom tooth. In such cases, extraction is necessary to alleviate discomfort or prevent future dental issues.
Possible Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Can Be Extracted
When healthy and properly positioned in the mouth, wisdom teeth can be valuable to anybody. However, we have some cases where these teeth need to undergo extraction.
Overcrowding
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in areas that have already been covered with other teeth.  As a result, the neighbouring teeth are pushed aside. This pushing away of the neighbouring teeth then leads to misalignment which calls for extraction.
Inflammation and infection
Inflammation and infection are another reason that will force you to extract your wisdom teeth. Inflammation is brought about by impactions and the limited space in between the teeth leading to pain in the gums. Painful gums can easily attract other disease-causing pathogens. Therefore, the tooth needs to be extracted to avoid the spread of the infection to the other teeth and the gums.
Tumours
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can lead to a tumour in the jawbone, which causes extreme pain in the jaw joint. In this case, the tooth should be checked out by a specialist to determine the depth of the tumour, before being extracted.  Also, the development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth can be a result of tumours.
Poor dental hygiene
If you are unable to keep up with the required dental hygiene like brushing, chances of getting cavities are high. Cavities can be handled through fillings or extractions based on your preferences. Furthermore, cavities are a result of poor eating habits.
Damage to the other teeth like the molars. Damage in most cases is caused by the existence of an extra set of molars that push the other teeth and therefore causing one to have problems with biting.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Dubai
DO NOT Eat 12 Hours Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction
On the day of the wisdom tooth extraction, It is best for the patient to not eat or drink for at least 12 hours before the process.Â
X-Ray Before Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Before the process takes place the dentist takes an x-ray of the mouth to be able to know if the process of extraction is necessary. After the dentist has identified the damage then he or she makes it clear that the affected wisdom tooth has to be extracted.
Anaesthesia Administration
The dentist will administer an injection with anaesthesia to the gums. This numbs the area around the tooth and the tooth. In some cases, the patients are given sedatives to help them relax.  The teeth should come out through the gum. Once the local anaesthesia has taken effect the dentist loosens the connective tissues using special dental tools. Then he or she further use other dental tools to remove the teeth. A lot of pressure is felt during the process but no pain is experienced due to the anaesthesia.
When extracting wisdom teeth, some patients may need to undergo a surgical operation. Surgery is necessary in cases where the tooth has not emerged from the jawbone. The teeth might also be broken and therefore, it can’t be removed without leaving a single piece of it in the gums.
An incision in the gums
The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the teeth. Sometimes during the extraction of the tooth, it might be impacted and it is covered by a bone. In this case, the dentist uses a drill to clear the bone around the tooth.Â
Caution in case of a broken wisdom tooth
If a wisdom tooth breaks in the process of extraction then all the broken pieces should be removed using special equipment. The tooth is then popped out if not broken from the tissues and thereafter the dentist might put gauze over the holes to promote clotting that will help with healing.
See related: Teeth whitening in Dubai
What are the Side Effects and Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Here’s a table outlining both the benefits and potential side effects of wisdom teeth extraction:
Benefits |
Side Effects |
1. Prevents overcrowding and misalignment of teeth |
1. Swelling and bruising of cheeks and jaws |
2. Eliminates pain and discomfort caused by impacted wisdom teeth |
2. Pain and discomfort at the extraction site |
3. Reduces risk of oral infection and gum disease |
3. Difficulty opening the mouth fully |
4. Prevents damage to nearby teeth |
4. Numbness or altered sensation in the lower lip, tongue, or chin due to nerve injury (rare) |
5. Decreases the risk of a cyst or tumour formation around impacted wisdom teeth |
5. Dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot that usually forms after extraction is lost too soon (rare) |
What is the best age for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The ideal age for wisdom teeth extraction can vary based on individual dental development and needs. However, many oral health professionals recommend extraction in the late teens to early twenties, as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed, and the jaw bone is less dense, making the procedure and recovery easier. Below is a table providing a broad view of the optimal age ranges and their respective benefits:
Age Range |
Benefits |
12-16 years |
Wisdom teeth (third molars) have started developing but are not fully formed. Early intervention can prevent future complications like impaction or damage to adjacent teeth. However, this is less common and is usually recommended only for specific conditions. |
17-25 years |
This is the most common age range for wisdom teeth extraction. The roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and the jawbone is less dense, making extraction easier. In addition, recovery and healing are typically quicker and less complicated in this age range. |
26-35 years |
Extractions in this age group are generally safe and effective but might come with a slightly higher risk of complications or longer recovery times due to the wisdom teeth and jawbone being fully developed. |
35+ years |
Wisdom tooth extraction at this age is typically only recommended if the teeth are causing significant problems. The risk of complications is higher, and the recovery period may be longer due to the fully developed and denser jawbone. |
Healing Stages for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Healing after wisdom teeth extraction takes place in stages, each with distinct characteristics. Here is a table detailing these stages:
Stage |
Time Frame |
Description |
Immediate Recovery |
24 hours |
After the procedure, you may experience bleeding for a few hours. Bite down gently on the gauze to control bleeding and help clot formation. Swelling and discomfort are common during this period. Rest and limit your activities. |
Initial Healing |
1-3 days |
Swelling peaks around the second day and then gradually recede. Pain may persist, but it should be manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. Continue a diet of soft, cool foods and avoid vigorous mouth rinsing. |
Secondary Healing |
1-2 weeks |
By the end of the first week, any facial bruising should begin to fade. The surgical wound will start to close, and you can gradually introduce more solid foods back into your diet. Continue practising good oral hygiene and avoid the extraction site. |
Long-term Healing |
3-4 weeks |
The gum tissue should be completely healed. However, the bone will take several more weeks or months to fully heal and remodel. Normal eating and oral hygiene practices can be resumed, but it’s still essential to be careful around the extraction site. |
What is the Cost of Having a Wisdom Tooth Removed in Dubai?
The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Dubai can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the type of anaesthesia used, whether the procedure is performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon, and the specific clinic or hospital. Here’s a generalised table for your reference:
Procedure |
Cost Range (AED) |
Cost Range (USD) |
Consultation |
200 – 500 AED |
$55 – $135 |
Simple Extraction (per tooth) |
500 – 1200 AED |
$135 – $325 |
Surgical Extraction (per tooth) |
1200 – 2500 AED |
$325 – $680 |
Sedation/General Anesthesia |
1000 – 2000 AED |
$270 – $540 |
FAQ
Where Can I Have My Teeth Removed in Dubai?
There are numerous high-quality dental clinics in Dubai; some renowned ones include Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, the American Dental Clinic, and NOA Dental Clinic, among others.
Why is wisdom teeth removal so expensive?
Wisdom teeth removal is costly due to the complexity of the procedure, the need for specialised dental surgeons, and often, the requirement of anaesthesia.
Is Dental Care Free in Dubai?
No, dental care in Dubai is not generally free; costs can vary depending on the type of procedure, the clinic, and whether you have insurance coverage.
How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
The removal of wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, but the pain is usually managed effectively with local anaesthesia during the procedure and pain relievers afterwards.