When a Simple Procedure Reveals Hidden Risks

The Case That Sparked a Debate About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Removing a wisdom tooth is usually treated as a routine procedure, performed daily in dental offices across the country. Most of the time, it’s straightforward: a few pre-operative instructions, anesthesia, extraction, and rest. However, a recent case in São Paulo has reignited an important warning about risks that, although rare, do existand that many patients are unaware of.

A Young Life Full of Dreams and an Unexpected Loss

Isadora, an 18-year-old who was healthy and full of plans, had already undergone the removal of two wisdom teeth without any complications. Nothing suggested that the second stage of the procedure would be any different. But this time, her postoperative condition deviated from what is considered normal: significant swelling, intense pain, and no improvement even after changing antibiotics.

According to her parents, the initial guidance was that the symptoms were expected and that rest would be enough. Worried, they decided to go to a hospital. There, they waited more than ten hours for a specialist to evaluate her. Unfortunately, the infection had already spread quickly. Isadora went into cardiac arrest twice and died four days after the surgery.

Turning Grief Into a Movement

Unable to accept the lack of information they had received, and determined to prevent other families from going through the same experience, Isadora’s parents began sharing her story on social media. Within weeks, they received hundreds of similar reports, cases of serious infections, hospitalizations, and even deaths following wisdom tooth extractions.

The wave of testimonies quickly grew: in less than a month, their pages reached about 80,000 followers and surpassed 10 million views. With this momentum, they created a petition calling for the establishment of a national protocol specifically for this type of surgery.

What Dental Professionals Say

The Regional Dental Council of São Paulo argues that rigid protocols could limit professionals’ autonomy, since each case requires individualized decisions. The council emphasizes that safety guidelines and best practices are already part of Brazil’s extensive and highly regarded dental education.

Even so, specialists agree that careful pre-operative assessment is essential. This includes:

• the patient’s medical history;

• verification of current medications;

• evaluation of existing health conditions;

• radiographic exams;

• prescribing antibiotics or mouthwashes when necessary;

• clear guidance on warning signs after surgery.

When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Truly Necessary?

Although wisdom tooth extraction is common, it’s not recommended for everyone. The most frequent reasons include:

• recurring pain or inflammation;

• bite problems;

• misalignment caused by the tooth;

• teeth that remain impacted or only partially erupt.

Even in well-equipped offices with proper sterilization procedures, it’s essential that patients understand all potential risks — even the rare ones — and know when to seek urgent medical help.

Information Can Save Lives

Isadora’s family continues to meet with dental authorities and hopes their daughter’s case will turn pain into prevention. More than assigning blame, their goal is to ensure that no patient enters a dental office without fully understanding what may happen, even if the chances are very small.

“If I had known the risks, I could have acted sooner,” her mother says. That awareness is exactly what the family hopes to spread.