Wisdom tooth removal in Amsterdam

Having a wisdom tooth removed often causes some anxiety. At iSmile Dental Practice we explain in advance how the treatment works, which anaesthetic you will receive, and what to keep in mind after the procedure. Our practices in Amsterdam-West and Amsterdam-Zuid are welcoming new patients.

  • Clear, step-by-step explanations in plain language
  • Option of a sedative, laughing gas or general anaesthetic
  • Patients rate our practice 9.8 on average

What does removing a wisdom tooth involve?

A wisdom tooth is the last molar to come through, usually between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If the tooth comes through without any problems and causes no complaints, it can simply stay where it is.

If a wisdom tooth grows at an angle, there is too little room in the jaw, or it causes pain or inflammation, it is usually wise to have the tooth removed. Our dentist first uses an X-ray to assess the position of the wisdom tooth. If the tooth is easy to reach, the dentist can often remove it in-house. If the wisdom tooth is awkwardly positioned or still (partly) embedded in the jaw, we refer you to an oral surgeon for the treatment.

Close-up van een hand bij de kaak, als signaal van klachten door een verstandskies

When is wisdom tooth removal necessary?

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Removal may be necessary in the following situations:

  • The wisdom tooth grows at an angle and presses against another tooth or molar.
  • There is too little room in the jaw.
  • The tooth causes pain, swelling or inflammation.
  • The wisdom tooth only partly breaks through the gum.
  • The tooth is hard to keep clean, leading to cavities or gum problems.

Not sure whether your wisdom tooth is causing problems? During a check-up, our dentist examines the tooth and discusses with you whether removal is needed.

How does wisdom tooth removal work?

How the treatment proceeds depends on the position and accessibility of the wisdom tooth. Sometimes a single appointment is enough. In other cases, several appointments are needed.

Step 1: discussing the treatment

The dentist explains how the treatment will proceed, which anaesthetic you will receive, and what to expect during recovery. Beforehand, you have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.

Step 2: local anaesthetic

You are given a local anaesthetic. The dentist only begins once the anaesthetic has taken full effect. During the treatment you will not feel sharp pain, though you may feel pressure or movement.

Step 3: removing the wisdom tooth

If the wisdom tooth has come through straight and is easy to reach, the dentist can usually remove it without difficulty. If the tooth is hard to reach or still partly beneath the gum, the dentist makes a small opening in the gum. Sometimes the dentist removes the tooth in sections.

Step 4: closing the wound

If the wound needs stitches, the dentist usually uses dissolvable sutures. These dissolve on their own as the wound heals.

Afterwards, you receive instructions on aftercare. Among other things, the dentist explains what you may eat, how to keep the wound clean, and what to do in case of pain, swelling or bleeding.

Having your wisdom teeth removed with extra reassurance

Having wisdom teeth removed makes many people anxious. That is completely understandable, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about it with us.

We explain step by step what will happen and take the time to answer your questions. Are you very anxious about the treatment? Then we discuss the options for laughing gas or general anaesthetic together, so you can sit in the chair feeling more at ease.angst voor de behandelinglachgasnarcose

What to expect after wisdom tooth removal

In the first few days you may experience pain, swelling and a tender wound. This is usually a normal part of recovery and gradually eases.

  • Take pain relief as advised by your dentist or pharmacist. Paracetamol is often suitable. Only take ibuprofen if it is safe for you, and avoid aspirin unless advised otherwise.
  • Cool your cheek with a cold compress (with a cloth in between) to limit swelling.
  • Do not eat or drink anything hot for the first few hours.
  • Do not rinse your mouth vigorously on the first day, so the blood clot stays in place.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol and smoking.

Contact us if you experience increasing pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or any doubts about your recovery.

What are the pros and cons of removing a wisdom tooth?

Whether it is wise to remove a wisdom tooth depends on the position of the tooth and the complaints it causes. The dentist discusses the expected benefits and possible drawbacks with you.

Benefits

  • The risk of recurring inflammation and gum problems decreases.
  • Removal helps prevent damage to an adjacent tooth or molar.
  • Complaints such as pain, pressure and swelling often disappear.

Possible drawbacks

  • After the treatment you will temporarily experience pain, swelling and limited jaw opening.
  • You will need to adjust your diet for the first few days.
  • Sometimes several appointments are needed.
  • There is a small risk of complications, such as secondary bleeding, infection or a dry socket.

The dentist assesses beforehand whether, in your situation, the benefits of removal outweigh the possible drawbacks.

What happens if you delay wisdom tooth removal?

A wisdom tooth does not always need to be removed straight away. If the tooth is causing complaints or damage, however, these can increase if you delay.

Possible consequences include:

  • Increasing pain or swelling
  • The spread of an inflammation
  • Damage to an adjacent tooth or the gum
  • More difficult access if treatment is left until later

If you have no complaints and the wisdom tooth is well positioned, the dentist advises checking it regularly. During check-ups, the dentist looks at its position and the health of the surrounding teeth.

If complaints arise, the dentist discusses with you whether removal is needed.

How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?

The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) sets maximum rates for dental treatments each year. The cost depends on the procedures required, such as X-rays and anaesthetic. You will find the current codes on our rates page. Different reimbursement rules apply for treatment by an oral surgeon.

Is wisdom tooth removal covered by insurance?

For children under 18, treatment by the dentist is usually covered by basic health insurance. For adults this is usually not the case, unless you have supplementary dental insurance. If an oral surgeon carries out the treatment, it is often covered by basic health insurance, possibly subject to the excess (own risk). Check the terms of your policy.

2025 rates

Procedure code Description Rate
H11 Extraction of a tooth or molar (simple extraction) € 56.26
H35 Difficult surgical extraction of a tooth or molar € 90.02

Have crowns or bridges fitted at our modern practices.

Make an appointment at our practice

Are you experiencing problems with your wisdom tooth, or are you unsure whether removal is necessary? Then make an appointment for a check-up at our practice in Amsterdam-West or Amsterdam-Zuid. The dentist will examine your wisdom tooth and discuss with you whether treatment is needed.

Visit iSmile Dental Practice in Amsterdam-West

Our dental practice in Amsterdam-West is centrally located in the city and therefore easy to reach by car, bike and public transport.tandartspraktijk in Amsterdam-West
By car
You can park your car at Bos en Lommerplantsoen or in the Mobypark – Zahia’s Parking car park. Both are within a short walking distance of the practice.
By bike
There is space in front of the practice to park your bike safely, so you can head straight inside.
By public transport
Get off at the Erasmusgracht or Bos en Lommerplein stop; from there our practice is just moments away.

Visit iSmile Dental Practice in Amsterdam-Zuid

Our dental practice in Amsterdam-Zuid, on Lutmastraat, is easy to reach whether you travel by car, bike or public transport.tandartspraktijk in Amsterdam-Zuid
By car
There is usually parking available on Lutmastraat itself, so you can park your car close to the entrance.
By bike
You can easily leave your bike in the racks across the street, directly opposite the practice.
By public transport
By metro or tram you can quickly reach the De Pijp or Cornelis Troostplein stop. From there it is a few minutes’ walk to our practice.