WHAT IS A WISDOM TOOTH?

Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are located at the back of the dental arch, sometimes barely visible or erupting in a different direction. In some cases, wisdom teeth only partially erupt or do not erupt at all. Due to their unusual positioning, access is often difficult, making proper oral hygiene challenging. As a result, bacteria can accumulate there, leading to bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, or an acute infection. Whether complications with wisdom teeth occur and when they occur cannot be predicted. In some individuals, the misalignment causes no problems, while in others, it can lead to often painful issues.

WISDOM TEETH, 8TH OR THIRD MOLARS?

All three terms are synonymous and refer to the last molars that typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 25, sometimes later.

The term “wisdom teeth” dates back to medieval times when people were considered “wise” by the time these teeth emerged, given the shorter life expectancy of 35 to 40 years at the time.

“8th” or “third molar” refers to the position of the wisdom tooth in the dental arch. The mouth is divided into four quadrants (upper/lower + left/right), and each quadrant has two incisors (1, 2), one canine (3), two premolars (4, 5), and three molars (6, 7, and 8).

WHY DO WE HAVE WISDOM TEETH, AND WHY DO WE OFTEN NO LONGER NEED THEM?

Wisdom teeth are a remnant from an earlier time when humans used their teeth as tools for tasks like processing objects or breaking down very tough food. Back then, particularly the molars experienced significant wear, which created additional space for wisdom teeth.

However, as we evolved and developed tools and technology, as well as cooked or processed food outside of the mouth, the size and length of the jaw have biologically decreased over time. This reduction in jaw size has led to less space for wisdom teeth in today’s human population.

DO WISDOM TEETH ALWAYS ERUPT?

No, they do not always erupt fully or at all. In many people, there are eruption disturbances with wisdom teeth due to a lack of space:

They may deviate from the ideal eruption direction, causing them to be oriented horizontally or at an angle, preventing them from properly aligning in the dental arch. If they are still partially covered by the gum tissue (partial retention), a pocket can form around the crown, which can periodically become infected.

Wisdom teeth can also remain embedded in the bone and be completely covered by the gum tissue (complete retention). In this case, they can become wedged under the crown or root of adjacent teeth, leading to tooth damage (subordinate resorption).

It is recommended to assess wisdom teeth at a younger age. This way, it can be determined early whether wisdom teeth are present and whether prophylactic (preventive) removal, for example, due to lack of space, should be considered before pain or significant inflammation occurs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE MY RETAINED WISDOM TEETH REMOVED, AND THEY REMAIN IN THE BONE?

In most cases, nothing significant happens. However, there are rare instances where a retained wisdom tooth may, later in life, trigger bone resorption around the tooth’s crown and lead to the formation of a cyst, even if the position of the wisdom tooth remains largely unchanged. In these cases, the cyst must be surgically removed. This can potentially result in bone or jaw fractures, necessitating bone reconstruction procedures.

WHAT SYMPTOMS / ISSUES CAN ARISE?

If there are problems with the development or eruption of wisdom teeth, or if they are difficult to access for daily oral hygiene, leading to the accumulation of bacteria, the following symptoms/issues may occur:

IN WHAT SITUATIONS ARE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the following situations:

Unfortunately, when wisdom teeth cause problems, there are often few viable alternatives to extraction!

WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME FOR EXTRACTION?

The ideal time for wisdom tooth extraction typically ranges from the ages of 16 to 25. During this period, the roots of the wisdom teeth are often not fully developed. Additionally, the body’s capacity for healing is strong, leading to fewer complications such as inflammation, swelling, and pain.

If this window has passed, wisdom tooth extraction is still possible. However, it may be more complex and the risk of complications increases with age.

WHAT INVESTIGATIONS / ASSESSMENTS ARE CARRIED OUT BEFORE WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Before wisdom tooth extraction, the following steps are taken:

WHAT KINDS OF X-RAY EXAMINATIONS ARE PERFORMED?

Before wisdom tooth extraction, a two-dimensional (2D) dental X-ray, known as an Orthopantomogram (OPG), is typically obtained. This X-ray image displays all the teeth, the upper and lower jaw, and sometimes the jaw and sinus cavities. It allows assessment of the position of the wisdom teeth in the bone and their relationship to important anatomical structures like nerves and sinus cavities.

In more complex cases, a three-dimensional (3D) X-ray examination, known as a digital volume tomography (DVT), may be necessary. DVT provides a clear, three-dimensional view of the wisdom teeth and adjacent anatomical structures without overlap.

HOW IS WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION PERFORMED?

The procedure is typically carried out under local anesthesia, although in rare cases, it may be done under general anesthesia. Pain during the procedure is not expected, but you may feel some pressure.

If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted into the oral cavity, it can be loosened and removed using dental instruments like elevators or forceps.

If the wisdom tooth is partially or fully covered by gum tissue and/or bone, a small incision is made in the soft tissue, and the bone is carefully removed with a drill to expose the tooth. Once exposed, the tooth can be lifted out of its socket. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for removal. Afterward, the surgical area is cleaned, and the wound is closed with stitches. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled for wound inspection and stitch removal, usually 7 to 10 days later.

HOW SHOULD YOU BEHAVE AFTER WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Wisdom tooth extraction is typically a low-risk routine procedure performed daily in dental practices. However, certain complex situations can be challenging and may require the expertise of a specialized oral surgeon.

In the first few days following the surgery, the following issues may occur:

Less commonly:

Very rarely, the following complications may occur:

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO STAY HOME AFTER WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure. We recommend that you take it easy and avoid physical activities on the day of the surgery. In general, there is no work incapacity. However, depending on the extent of postoperative discomfort, a medical certificate for work incapacity may be issued on an individual basis.

WHEN DOES HEALTH INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL?

Health insurance (basic coverage/KVG) covers the extraction of wisdom teeth only if they are impacted and there is an associated “medical necessity.” This medical necessity may arise, for example, in cases of a cyst or undermining resorption of an adjacent tooth. In such cases, an application is submitted to the health insurance provider, and approval for coverage is obtained.

Additionally, many dental supplementary insurance policies contribute to the cost of wisdom tooth removal. The extent of coverage can vary significantly between different supplementary insurance plans. It is advisable to clarify this with your insurance provider beforehand.

Zudem beteiligen sich viele Zahnzusatzversicherungen an den Kosten einer Weisheitszahnentfernung. Der Leistungsumfang der verschiedenen Zusatzversicherungen unterscheidet sich teilweise stark. Es empfiehlt sich daher, dies vorgängig mit der Versicherung direkt abzuklären.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

Elvira Türk
Elvira Türk
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Die Praxis ist sauber, modern eingerichtet und wirklich das ganze Team ist freundlich und professionell. Und was meine Zahnarztphobie anbelangt; keiner in dieser Praxis gab mir das Gefühl, dass es eine solche Phobie nicht gibt oder es lächerlich sei. Im Gegenteil ...man nahm mich ernst und zeigte Verständnis. Heute, ohne Löcher in den Zähnen und 4 Weisheitszähne leichter, kann ich euch allen diese Zahnarztpraxis und vor allem die talentierte Frau Dr. Zimmermann, welche einen immer mit einem wunderschönen Lächeln empfängt, weiterempfehlen. Sie arbeitet präzise, vorsichtig und schnell.
T. M
T. M
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Frau Dr. Aline Joos ist einfach Profi in dem was Sie tut. Fachkompetenz zuvorkommend und herzlich zeichnen diese starke Frau aus. Bin so froh das ich eine Kieferorthopädin kenne die mich so gut versteht weiter so…! Kann ich mit bestem Gewissen weiter empfehlen <3
Peter Stückli
Peter Stückli
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Ich kann die Zahnarztpraxis nur weiterempfehlen. Man fühlt sich beim Frau Dr. ALINE JOOS wirklich extrem gut aufgehoben. Dies fängt bereits bei dem superfreundlichen und kompetenten Personal an. Die Praxis ist modern, die Qualität der Behandlung war top und auch sonst lässt sich nichts zu wünschen übrig. So kann sogar der Zahnarztbesuch Spass machen!
Conny
Conny
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5 Sterne sind zu wenig und ich würde hier gerne 10 Sterne vergeben. Die Praxis Züri Zahni mit Dr. Cano und Team ist einfach spitze. Dr. Cano ist sehr kompetent, super geduldig und er nimmt sich Zeit für alle Fragen. Er arbeitet sehr genau und vor allem schmerzfrei, noch nie zuvor hatte ich solche schmerzfreie Behandlungen erlebt. Einfach TOP!!!
Yannick Girkes
Yannick Girkes
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Sehr moderne Praxis mit tollem Angebot. Termin Vergabe ging sehr schnell, Mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend, Dr. Zimmermann macht das wirklich super, keine Schmerzen während oder nach der Behandlung. Und Netflix an der Decke ist ein Gamechanger wenn man etwas nervös ist 😁
Victoria Schober
Victoria Schober
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Bestes Zahnarzt-Team wo gibt! Man fühlt sich nicht nur als Patient sondern als auch Mensch wahrgenommen und wird jedes Mal herzlichst von einem unglaublich netten Team empfangen. Es herrscht immer gute Stimmung und ich hab nach 25 Jahren endlich keine Angst vom Zahnarzt mehr 😇 12/10!!! I highly recommend!
Maya Buff
Maya Buff
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Ich war jahrelang aus Angst nicht mehr beim Zahnarzt. Aber nachdem ein Zahn abgebrochen war musste ich notfallmässig gehen. Ein Glück, denn so habe ich Züri Zahni kennengelernt. Ein nettes und aufgestelltes Team und mit Dr. Tschannen den besten und einfühlsamsten Zahnarzt, den ich je erlebt habe. Ich kann diese Zahnarztpraxis allen nur wärmstens empfehlen.
Leo Mo
Leo Mo
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Ich kam als Notfall und wurde super behandelt. Dr. Cano war sehr zuvorkommend und super vorsichtig. Obwohl es schon sehr spät war hat er sich sehr viel Zeit genommen. Bin wirklich begeistert von der Praxis! Super schön eingerichtet und nur die besten Geräte. Das ganze Team ist sehr nett und super kompetent. Kann die Praxis nur empfehlen. Obwohl ich eine längere Anreise habe wird es mein neuer Zahnarzt werden!
Alain Rohner
Alain Rohner
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Eine sehr angenehme Praxis! Unkompliziert, professionell und einfach ein nettes und angenehmes Team. Man wird immer über das Vorgehen der Behandlung aufgeklärt und der Bildschirm über dem Behandlungsstuhl, mit Naturdokumentationen oder Netflixserien, lässt einem ein bisschen vom eigentlichen Eingriff abschweifen.
Anja Derendinger
Anja Derendinger
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Nicht nur ist Frau Zimmermann eine gute Zahnärztin, auch der Rest des Personals ist freundlich und angenehm und die Praxis ist sehr schön und modern. Ich hatte das Gefühl, dass meine Zähne noch nie so gründlich kontrolliert wurden und zudem wurde mir auch alles geklärt. Frau Zimmermann weist auch darauf hin, wenn eine bestimmte Behandlung zwar gut aber nicht unbedingt notwendig wäre. Ich kann diese Praxis nur jedem weiterempfehlen - nicht nur weil man während der Behandlung Netflix schauen kann.
Tobias T
Tobias T
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Was für eine exzellente Zahnarztpraxis, absolut empfehlenswert: einfache Terminbuchung, sehr freundlicher Empfang, eine topmoderne Praxis und vor allem ein kompetentes Team. Dr. Cano ist sehr professionell und ein hervorragender Zahnarzt. Er erklärte umfangreich, verständlich und geduldig die verschiedenen Behandlungsoptionen, und half kompetent die beste Entscheidung zu treffen, ohne dabei aufdringlich zu sein. Ich bin vollumfänglich zufrieden.
Geoffrey Brugger
Geoffrey Brugger
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Super Team 🙂 ! Ich war bei Frau Doktor Zimmermann, musste ein Loch reparieren lassen, keine Schmerzen und äusserst zufrieden mit dem Resultat. Davor war ich bei der Dentalhygiene, gleiches Kompliment 🙂 herzlichen Dank
Eveline Lattmann
Eveline Lattmann
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Geniale Zahnarzt-Praxis! Kann ich nur empfehlen. Nehmen sich extrem Zeit und machen ihre Arbeit super. Auch mit den Kindern haben wir beste Erfahrungen gemacht! Haben endlich einen Zahnarzt gefunden dem wir vertrauen und bleiben können.
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Terminvereinbarung

Bitte füllen Sie vor Ihrer ersten Konsultation den Gesundheitsfragebogen und Einverständniserklärung Anamnesebogen für Kieferorthopädie aus und nehmen beides zum vereinbarten Termin mit. Vielen Dank.

Handelt es sich um einen Notfall, rufen Sie uns bitte direkt an: Tel. 044 317 10 10

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Healthy baby teeth are essential for long-lasting dental health. Our little patients’ well-being is especially close to our hearts. After all, the first visit to a dentist is a defining experience and we want to make it a good one. We provide a calm and trusting athmosphere for your childrens’ visit. There are ceiling-mounted tv-screens so our little patients can watch a movie for the duration of the procedure. And at the end of the treatment, their brave cooperation is rewarded with a little present.

ORTHODONTICS / BRACES

The aim of orthodontic treatment is to remove the misaligned teeth and/or jaw and to restore the function and aesthetics of the dentition.

LASER THERAPY

Present day dentistry counts on the laser as its allrounder: In oral surgery, the laser ensures a precise treatment and pain-free recovery with few complications. The regeneration of tissue is sped up and helped by laser-biostimulation.

SURGICAL MICROSCOPE

The surgical microscope allows us to do high precision work even on the smallest scale. It increases the quality of our work and is especially valuable when it comes to periodontal therapy, cariology and minimally invasive oral surgery.

ORAL SURGERY

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth – if it can’t be saved otherwise or, in the case of wisdom teeth, if they get infected or can’t be cleaned. Our routine services also include the removal of the labial or tongue frenulum.

PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY

Chewing and eating hard foods can become very difficult once one has lost several teeth. With custom-made partial or full dentures, we can help you enjoy eating once more.

DIGITAL-RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

A fractured or cracked tooth can be restored to its former shape, color and function with the use of partial or full ceramic crowns. A gap caused by the loss of a tooth can be filled with a bridge or implant.

PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS

Gum disease (gingivitis or paradontitis) is caused by a buildup of bactieria and infection of the small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. This can damage the bone and cause the teeth to become loose and sensitive. We can stop the progression of gum disease through periodontal therapy.

ENDODONTIC THERAPY / ROOT CANAL

When bacteria enters the pulp tissue of a tooth it can cause infection. We can save the tooth with the help of modern root canal shaping technique, efficient mouthrinse solutions and the obturation of the root canal under the microscope.

KINDERZAHNARZT

Gesunde Milchzähne sind ein wichtiger Grundstein für gesunde bleibende Zähne. Das Wohl unserer kleinsten Patienten liegt uns ganz besonders am Herzen, denn der erste Besuch beim Zahnarzt ist ein sehr prägender und soll unbedingt in guter Erinnerung bleiben. Wir kümmern uns liebevoll in einer ruhigen und vertrauensvollen Atmosphäre um die Anliegen Ihrer Kinder. Während der Behandlung dürfen die Kinder über den Bildschirm an der Decke einen Film schauen und am Ende der Behandlung wird ihre tapfere Mitarbeit mit einem kleinen Geschenk belohnt.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY / TEETH WHITENING

A beautiful smile and white teeth are considered more and more important in our society. Our services include bleaching as well as ceramic reconstruction for the treatment of defects in color, shape or position.

CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

Nature is several steps ahead of us. That’s why we take great care to maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible. We consider an implant or prosthetic solution only when all other conservative therapheutic options have been exhausted and/or cost-effectiveness requires it.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Some patients cannot be treated while awake, be it because of age, anxiety or a medical condition. For these patients, we provide outpatient general anesthesia with the support of an experienced external anesthesiology-team, consisting of an anesthesiologist and a nurse. 

We perform general anesthesia only on children and adolescents.

SEDATION BY NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide, also known as «laughing gas», is a safe medicinal sedative. It’s soothing, relaxing and helps minimize anxiety during treatment. Additionally, it reduces the gagging reflex. When administered nitrous oxide, patients lose their sense of time so they perceive the treatment as shorter and the procedure in general as more pleasant. It’s ideal for uncooperative toddlers or anxious patients.

Dental Hygiene

Dental health requires preventative care. Regular check-ups and professional teeth cleaning are imperative for long-lasting and caries-free teeth. We help you find the best daily dental care and provide you with advice on a low-sugar and low-acid diet.

Tax point values Züri Zahni

Züri Zahni has two taxpoint values:

1.15 for orthodontic treatments
1.25 all other treatment methods

For more information on the current dental rate, click here.

Our Policy

Transparency

The relationship between patient and dentist is based on trust and honesty. At Züri Zahni, we make sure to inform patients completely and transparently about treatment possibilities, procedure and cost. Only by this can you make the right decision for your dental health.

Active listening and individual treatment plan

We believe firmly in the importance of listening actively and taking the time to fully understand the concerns of our patients. This, along with the quality of our work, is the key to succesful treatment. We encourage you warmly to voice your concerns and questions about your dental hygiene, so that we can work towards the same goal.

Prevention is better than cure

Unfortunately, our permanent teeth don’t regrow. They’re precious and we have to take great care of them. That’s why we place great importance on prevention. Daily dental care, regular professional teeth cleaning and check-ups not only prevent tooth disease but also ensure the succes of dental treatments. Should treatment be necessary, we apply only minimally invasive techniques in order to protect and preserve tooth substance.

Self-improvement

The foundation of our work lays in a profound education and high quality standards. Curiosity, interest and an open mind help us to keep learning and improving ourselves every day. That’s why our team does professional training regularly, which also enables us to provide you with the newest technology and techniques.

Interdisciplinary network

We believe that in this society of highly specialized professionals, no single practitioner can master every cutting edge technology. So we concentrate on our strenghts exclusively. In fields that are out of our range as general dentists, we receive competent support from our close network of specialist dentists.

Ema

Kurti

Orthodontic Assistant | DENTAL ASSISTANT EFZ

Fatlume

Dukaj

DENTAL ASSISTANT EFZ

Mabinta

Bojang

DENTAL ASSISTANT EFZ IN TRAINING

Marija

Milosevic

Prophylaxis Dental hygiene

Sahar

Damercheli-Tiller

DENTAL ASSISTANT EFZ

Eliza

Dauti

Practice Manager

Julija

Ivacic

ASSISTANT EFZ

Helen

Brupbacher

PROPHYLAXIS ASSISTANT

Aline

Joos

ORTHODONTICS

Master of Science Orthodontics

Languages: German, English, Spanish, French

Memberships

Rada

Pejicic

M DENT MED UZH, FEDERALLY CERTIFIED DENTIST.
SPECIALIST IN ORAL SURGERY SSO

Languages: German, English, Serbo-Croatian

Memberships

Sotiria

Bourouni

MAS CARIOLOGY, ENDODONTOLOGY AND PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Languages: Greek, German, English

Marco

Tschannen

DR. MED. DENT.

Assistant dentist

Languages: German, French, English

Memberships

PRACTICE OWNER

Adrian

Cano

DR. MED. DENT., WBA SSO GENERAL DENTISTRY

Former attending dentist at the Klinik für Zahnerhaltung, ZMK Bern

Languages: German, French, Spanish, English

Memberships

PRACTICE OWNER

Andrea

Zimmermann

M DENT MED, FED. QUAL. DENTIST

Pediatric Dentist

Languages: German, English, Spanish, French

Memberships