Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Korea: What to Expect

Korea’s dental clinics are known for efficient appointments, clear pricing, and advanced imaging (digital X-rays, CBCT). If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or impacted third molars, here’s a simple guide to the process from first visit to full recovery.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

• Symptoms: Jaw pain, swollen gums, bad breath, food trapping, headaches, or ear pain.
• Clinical reasons: Impaction, decay you can’t clean, cysts, recurrent pericoronitis, damage to the second molar, or orthodontic space needs.
• Timing: Late teens to mid-20s is ideal—roots are shorter, healing is quicker.

Consultation & Diagnosis

• Oral exam + imaging: Panoramic X-ray or CBCT to analyze root shape, sinus proximity, and nerve location.
• Risk assessment: Your dentist discusses impaction type (vertical, mesioangular, horizontal), complexity, and anesthesia options.
• Plan & quote: You’ll get a treatment plan, estimated cost, and post-op schedule (often same-day or next-day extraction if urgent).

Anesthesia & Pain Control Options

• Local anesthesia: Numbs the area; fastest turnaround, most common.
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Reduces anxiety; you remain awake.
• IV sedation: For multiple extractions or high anxiety; requires fasting and an escort home.
• Post-op meds: Anti-inflammatories, short course of painkillers, sometimes antibiotics and mouth rinse.

Step-by-Step Extraction Day

1. Numbing & isolation (bite block, gauze).
2. Incision (for impacted teeth) and gentle bone removal as needed.
3. Sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces to protect surrounding tissue.
4. Removal & irrigation to clear debris.
5. Sutures (often dissolvable) and pressure gauze to control bleeding.
6. Recovery briefing with an ice pack and written aftercare.

Typical chair time: 20–45 minutes per tooth (simple) or 45–90 minutes (complex/impacted).

Expected Recovery Timeline

• First 24 hours: Oozing, swelling begins; keep head elevated, bite firmly on gauze.
• Days 2–3: Peak swelling/stiffness; bruising may appear.
• Days 3–5: Discomfort improves; switch from ice to warm compresses if advised.
• Days 7–10: Suture check or removal (if non-dissolving); most daily activities feel normal.
• Weeks 3–4: Soft tissue largely healed; final bone remodeling continues for months.

Aftercare: Do’s & Don’ts

Do

• Apply ice packs (20 minutes on/off) during the first 24–36 hours.
• Eat soft, cool foods: yogurt, smoothies (no straws), scrambled eggs, congee.
• Rinse very gently with lukewarm salt water after 24 hours (or as directed).
• Brush carefully, avoiding the socket for the first couple of days.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed.

Don’t

• No straws, spitting forcefully, smoking, or alcohol for at least 72 hours (risk of dry socket).
• Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that can dislodge the clot.
• No heavy exercise for 48–72 hours.

Call your clinic if: Bleeding won’t stop after firm gauze pressure, pain worsens after day 3, you have fever, or foul taste/odor (possible infection or dry socket).

Costs in Korea (Typical Ranges)

• Simple extraction: ~ ₩60,000–₩150,000 per tooth.
• Surgical/impacted: ~ ₩150,000–₩400,000+ per tooth (CBCT, sedation, and complexity increase cost).
• Sedation (optional): Clinic-dependent; quoted separately.

Note: Residents with local insurance may receive partial benefits for medically necessary extractions. International patients generally self-pay; many Seoul clinics provide clear, upfront quotes.

Tips for International Patients in Seoul

• Language: Look for clinics with English-speaking staff and written aftercare sheets.
• Timing your trip: Allow 5–7 days in Seoul for checkup, extraction, and a follow-up (especially for lower impacted teeth).
• Medications & allergies: Share your full list; Korea’s clinics are strict about drug safety.
• Receipts: Ask for itemized invoices for travel insurance claims or FSA/HSA records.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

• Schedule a panoramic X-ray in your late teens/early 20s to track impaction early.
• Maintain cleanings every 6 months; treat gum inflammation before surgery.
• If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to reduce post-op soreness.

Quick Packing Checklist

• Government ID/passport
• Medication & allergy list
• Travel pillow/ice pack plan
• Soft foods ready at your hotel/Airbnb
• Extra masks/tissues (for minor oozing)

Final Thoughts

Wisdom tooth extraction in Korea is straightforward when planned with a skilled dentist and proper imaging. With modern anesthesia, careful technique, and diligent aftercare, most patients return to normal routines within a week—often with less pain than expected.