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Oral Surgery

Removing wisdom teeth — when is it necessary?

“Do my wisdom teeth have to come out?” — one of the most common questions in the practice. The honest answer: not automatically. We show when removal makes sense, when a wisdom tooth can stay and how the procedure works.

Dr. Nazanin Böhle · HOS Editorial
6 min read22 June 2026

Do wisdom teeth always have to be removed?

No. A healthy, well-cared-for wisdom tooth without complaints can stay. We don't remove prophylactically without reason, but decide based on the specific situation. With a calm, complaint-free position, regular monitoring can be enough — only when signs appear does a procedure make sense.

When does removal make sense? Typical signs

  • Recurring inflammation — painful gum pockets or inflammation at the erupting wisdom tooth.
  • Displacement — the tooth presses at an angle against the neighbouring tooth; caries and root damage are a risk.
  • Lack of space — e.g. during orthodontic preparations, to secure the success of the correction.
  • Caries — the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring tooth can no longer be cleaned reliably.
  • Cyst or bone finding — when an X-ray shows a change in the jawbone around the displaced tooth.

How is the assessment carried out?

It starts with a clinical preliminary examination. For displaced wisdom teeth we take a 3D X-ray to reliably assess the exact position and the proximity to the nerves. This allows the benefit and risk of a procedure to be weighed up realistically.

The procedure: gentle and under local anaesthetic

The removal is carried out under local anaesthetic in a calm atmosphere — you feel no pain. In a complex position, the tooth is gently removed in parts. One or more follow-up checks accompany the healing; we are also available between appointments for questions.

What does removing a wisdom tooth cost?

Wisdom teeth prices

Consultation (wisdom teeth surgery)CHF 150
Surgical removalCHF 750per tooth — final price after planning
Insurance

Basic insurance generally does not cover dental procedures. Supplementary insurance or — in the case of an accident — accident benefits may contribute depending on the policy. You always receive a written cost estimate from us.

Have your wisdom teeth assessed in Zurich

Do you have problems with your wisdom teeth or simply want the situation assessed? You'll find more about our wisdom teeth treatment and oral surgery in Zurich on our treatment pages — or arrange a no-obligation consultation at our practice at Löwenplatz in Zurich.

This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.

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