Can patients with oral ulcers have their wisdom teeth extracted?

Patients with oral ulcers may have a tooth extracted if the ulcer is mild and there is an urgent condition related to the wisdom tooth, following evaluation by a dentist. However, if the ulcer is severe or there is no urgent issue with the wisdom tooth, extraction should be postponed. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.

When oral ulcer symptoms are mild—such as a single small ulcer without significant pain—and the wisdom tooth has problems requiring immediate treatment, such as recurrent inflammation or severe decay, tooth extraction may be performed. Prior to extraction, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the oral condition. During the procedure, extra care will be taken to protect wound sites, and post-extraction care must be more meticulous to prevent interaction between the ulcer and extraction wound, which could delay healing.

If the oral ulcers are extensive, numerous, accompanied by severe pain, or occurring during a peak outbreak phase, wisdom tooth extraction is not recommended. The extraction would create a new wound, potentially aggravating the existing ulcers and increasing the risk of post-extraction infection, thereby delaying healing of both wound sites. Additionally, if there is no urgent dental issue with the wisdom tooth, it is advisable to wait until the oral ulcers have completely healed before reassessing the need for extraction, thus minimizing impact on oral health.

In all cases, patients should fully inform their dentist about their oral ulcer condition so that an appropriate treatment plan can be determined.