Dental care in Korea
Wisdom teeth in Korea: when to take them out
Signs a wisdom tooth should come out
- Repeated swelling or pain in the gum behind your last molar
- Food packing that causes decay in the tooth in front
- A tooth stuck sideways that pushes on the neighbouring tooth
- A cyst or bone loss seen on X-ray
Before the extraction
A panoramic X-ray, and sometimes a CT scan, shows how close the roots are to the nerve. We explain the risks and the plan in plain words before you agree.
Recovery
- Bite on gauze for about an hour.
- No smoking, alcohol, straws or spitting for a few days.
- Eat soft, lukewarm food: rice porridge, phở without chilli, soft tofu, yogurt.
- Swelling peaks around day two or three, then improves.
Timing around work
Book the extraction the day before your day off. Lower wisdom teeth usually cause more swelling than upper ones, so plan a quieter few days.
Questions
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. Wisdom tooth extraction is covered by Korean health insurance, and you pay the co-pay.
Can I take out all four at once?
Sometimes. We usually remove one side at a time so you can still chew on the other side.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise you after an examination.
