What are the risks of extracting wisdom teeth?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, as a common oral surgical procedure, wisdom tooth extraction may involve potential risks including postoperative bleeding, damage to adjacent teeth, dry socket, nerve injury, and maxillary sinus perforation. Patients are advised to follow postoperative instructions carefully, avoid licking the wound with the tongue or performing suction actions, refrain from brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth within 24 hours, and consume primarily cool or lukewarm liquid or semi-liquid foods.

Generally, as a common oral surgical procedure, wisdom tooth extraction may involve potential risks including postoperative bleeding, adjacent tooth damage, dry socket, nerve injury, and maxillary sinus perforation. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Postoperative bleeding: Minor oozing shortly after wisdom tooth extraction is normal, but in some cases prolonged bleeding may occur. Inappropriate management of blood vessels during surgery, rinsing the mouth too early after surgery, or chewing hard objects may cause the blood clot to dislodge, resulting in persistent bleeding.

2. Adjacent tooth damage: When there is insufficient space for wisdom tooth growth, the tooth may tilt and press against adjacent teeth. During extraction, improper operation or tight adhesion between the wisdom tooth root and adjacent tooth may cause enamel wear, root resorption, or even loosening of the adjacent tooth, affecting normal chewing function.

3. Dry socket: Two to three days after surgery, if the blood clot dislodges abnormally, exposure of the alveolar bone to the oral environment may easily lead to bacterial infection and development of dry socket. Patients may experience severe pain, which can radiate to the ear and neck, and may also be accompanied by oral malodor.

4. Nerve injury: Important nerves such as the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve are located near the wisdom tooth. During extraction, nerve irritation or traction from instruments, or close proximity between the wisdom tooth root and nerves may cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness of the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Most cases of numbness gradually resolve, although in some cases it may persist long-term.

5. Maxillary sinus perforation: In some individuals, the roots of the wisdom teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus cavity, or even located within it. During extraction, maxillary sinus perforation may occur, causing symptoms such as air leakage from the nose, or nosebleeds. In severe cases, maxillary sinusitis may develop.

Patients are advised to follow postoperative medical instructions, avoid touching the wound with the tongue or sucking actions, refrain from brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth for 24 hours, and consume mainly cool liquid or semi-liquid foods. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of complications and promote wound healing.

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Why is it said that extracting wisdom teeth depletes vital energy?

Under normal circumstances, the notion that "extracting wisdom teeth damages vital energy" refers to a series of postoperative reactions and complications following wisdom tooth removal. This belief may be related to factors such as postoperative pain and swelling, bleeding and infection, restricted nutritional intake, excessive psychological stress, and the body's responses during the recovery period. Treatment options include general management and medication.

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What are the risks of not extracting wisdom teeth?

Under normal circumstances, "end teeth" refer to wisdom teeth. Not removing wisdom teeth may lead to problems such as malalignment of the teeth, damage to adjacent teeth, oral functional disorders, gingival inflammation, and issues affecting the jawbone and joints. It is recommended to undergo regular dental examinations to promptly identify and address problems related to wisdom teeth. If a wisdom tooth erupts in an improper position or becomes repeatedly inflamed, timely medical attention is advised, and tooth extraction should be considered.

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How much does wisdom tooth extraction usually cost?

There are generally five methods for wisdom tooth extraction, with the following reference prices: extraction under general anesthesia (200–1,000 yuan per tooth), extraction under local infiltration anesthesia (200–1,000 yuan per tooth), surgical flap extraction (500–2,000 yuan per tooth), crown separation extraction (500–1,000 yuan per tooth), among others.

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Can patients with oral ulcers have their wisdom teeth extracted?

When oral ulcer symptoms are mild, involving only a single small ulcer with no significant pain, and there are urgent issues with the wisdom tooth—such as recurrent inflammation or severe decay—extraction may be performed. However, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the oral condition before extraction, take extra precautions to protect the wound during the procedure, and recommend more meticulous post-operative care to prevent interaction between the ulcer and the extraction site, which could delay healing.