Wisdom teeth grow at the very back of your mouth, right behind your second molars. There are two on the top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth are the last to come out, usually between the ages of 18 and 25, but they can come out later in life, too. Some people many not have wisdom teeth at all.
The trouble with wisdom teeth is that they don’t always grow normally in a straight line. Sometimes, they grow in different directions, or get stuck in the gum or bone, and never come out.
When they fail to erupt normally, they cause problems that might require a tooth extraction. For this reason, third molar tooth extractions happen to be the most common surgical procedure performed in the UK.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
By the time your wisdom teeth come out, in your late twenties, the rest of your teeth have all erupted and are in place. This usually leaves less than ideal space for the last tooth to come out properly.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom tooth does not have enough space to develop or emerge normally and line up with the rest of the teeth, it can grow at an angle or horizontally, and become impacted.
Fighting to make enough room for itself, the impacted wisdom tooth then starts exerting pressure on your neighbouring teeth. This pressure on the adjacent teeth may give rise infection in your gum tissue, initiate tooth decay, or alter their alignment and cause crowding. Crowded teeth can be very problematic if you’ve had orthodontic treatment.
As the wisdom tooth is located at the very back of your mouth, and sometimes positioned at an angle, it is difficult to reach and brush properly. This makes it easier for food debris to accumulate around it and the bacteria to start attacking, causing cavities and gum disease. Read more about the complications of wisdom teeth here.
If left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth can be very painful, especially if it’s causing other problems.
Get an Immediate Wisdom Tooth Extraction in London and Manchester
The current waiting time for wisdom teeth extractions in NHS is up to 12 months, which is a very long time to wait, especially if your wisdom teeth are causing you pain. Thankfully, as a private dentist in Manchester and London, we can offer you an immediate relief from wisdom tooth pain.
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth trouble, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit us at a location that’s most convenient for you, in London or Manchester.
What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal?
However, if your wisdom tooth lies below the gum line, a surgical removal will be required.
Regardless of what technique is used, the procedure will always be painless. Your oral surgeon will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. If you’re feeling too scared or anxious about the procedure, your extraction can be done under general anaesthesia (intravenous sedation) to make the experience as comfortable for you as possible.
Our dental specialists will talk you through the plan ahead of the treatment and make sure that you are satisfied, relaxed, and at ease theroughout the wisdom tooth removal process. We offer dental sedation in both our Manchester and London clinics, should you require it. To book a consultation, call us today at 0161 524 8276 (Manchester) or 020 4572 5832 (London).
Preparing for the Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
To visualise the position of your wisdom tooth in your jaw, your dentist will take a radiograph. This makes it easier for your dentist to determine the best way to remove the tooth.
Luckily, at Bespoke, we have the latest imaging technology available in-house, so you won’t have to go anywhere for this step.
What to do Before A Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Your dentist will talk you through preparing for wisdom teeth extraction before your appointment. However, its always a good idea to follow the advice below when getting a surgical procedure for tooth removal.
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If possible, book the day off from work or school and arrange childcare or pet care. It is best to take it slow that day to give your body the chance to heal and recover properly. If a sedative is used during the procedure, arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic.
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Tell your dentist about any health conditions you have or medications you take regularly.
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If being sedated, please DO NOT eat or drink anything for 2 hours before the procedure.
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Ask your dentist any questions you have about the procedure and discuss the kind of sedation you would like to be given.
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Stock up on the right kind of foods to eat after surgery (discussed below).
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The procedure for removing your wisdom tooth can vary, depending on the position of your tooth. Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw are usually easier to remove than the ones in the lower jaw.
If your wisdom tooth has erupted through your gum and is visible, it can simply be removed like any other tooth. Your oral surgeon will loosen the tooth, and pull it out gently.
If your wisdom tooth hasn’t emerged from the gum, or is only partially covered by the gum, you will need a surgical extraction. A small incision will be made into your gum to access the impacted tooth. It is also possible that some of the surrounding bone may need to be removed. To make the removal easier, your dentist may choose to cut the tooth into smaller sections.
They will then widen your tooth socket by rocking your tooth backwards and forwards. During this time, you only will feel pressure, but no pain due to the anaesthetics. If, at any point, you do feel pain, you can let your dentist know so they can give you more anaesthesia.
Once the tooth is removed, your gum at the surgical site will be stitched together. Your dentist may ask you to bite down on gauze to put pressure onto the extraction site. This will help control bleeding, and a blood clot to form, starting the healing process.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To allow the extraction site to heal completely and prevent any serious complications, follow all the aftercare advice your dentist gives you.
Pain management
You may feel some discomfort as the effect of the anaesthesia slowly wears off. Your dentist will provide you with pain medication to help you during this time.
To reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal, you can use a cold compress or ice pack on the face. It’s recommended that you hold this on your face for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes before putting it back on. If you have wisdom teeth removed on both sides of your face, you can move the compress from one side to the other for 15 minutes each time.
After 24 hours, you should switch to a heated compress and use heat in the same way for a few days. This should cover you for the peak of the swelling and it should start to reduce after this period. After 24 hours, you can also use warm water with a teaspoon of salt as a mouthwash.
In case you feel severe pain that doesn’t get better with medication, call your dentist immediately.
Eating and drinking
Do not eat anything for about six hours after the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything that’s too hot for the first 24 hours, and stay away from alcohol.
Do not eat hard foods. Stick to soft and liquid foods for the first few days so you don’t risk damaging the extraction site.
Do not spit out for at least 24 hours after the extraction. This will damage the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site and delay healing.
Keeping the wound clean
Gently rinse your mouh to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. Be careful to do it very gently, especially during the first 24 hours. If you rinse too forcefully, it can dislodge the blood clots that have developed over the wound, which can cause bleeding. To help get rid of bits of food after a meal, rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or salt water (a natural antiseptic).
Brush your teeth as you normally do, as best you can, gradually getting closer to the wound over a few days.
Do not smoke for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Smoking can cause severe complications.
How long does it take to recover after wisdom teeth removal?
The time it takes to recover from this procedure varies. However, it should take no longer than two weeks.
During this time, you may experience some side effects that include pain, swelling, or mild bruising around your mouth and cheeks, a sore jaw, a bad taste in your mouth and, although rare, some numbing or tingling in the face, lips or tongue.
The pain and swelling usually start to improve within a day or two. You can use over the counter remedies like ibuprofen and paracetamol to ease the pain and inflammation. Your dentist will advise if they think you need anything stronger and offer a prescription should it be needed.
If you get a surgical extraction, it is best to rest for a few days and avoid any strenuous activity.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Avoid hot drinks and hard-to-chew foods to shorten the healing period and prevent damage to the wound.
For the first few days after wisdom teeth extraction, soft foods like soup, broth, ice cream, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, and salmon are recommended.
Avoid spicy foods which can cause irritation, seeds and grains which can become lodged in the wound, and crunchy, crumbly or chewy foods, as these can dislodge the blood clot. Do not drink alcohol.
Wisdom Tooth Removal At Bespoke Dental & Implant Clinic in London and Manchester
Equipped with the latest diagnostic imaging tools, including 3D digital intraoral scanners, 3D CBCT scanners, digital radiography at both our London and Manchester clinics, and a team of highly skilled oral surgeons, we can treat all your wisdom tooth problems, efficiently and painlessly.
If you have any questions about the procedure or the aftercare, we will be more than happy to answer them in detail. Wisdom tooth extraction is just one of the many dental treatments we offer. Contact us today for other treatment options and let us help you take better care of your oral health.
If you need urgent care, either in London or Manchester, please feel free to call us on 020 4572 5832 (London) or 0161 524 8276 (Manchester).
We’ve provided some landmarks and directions below so you can get to our clinics easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wisdom tooth removal cost at Bespoke Dental and Implant Clinic?
A simple extraction starts from £250, a surgical extraction from £350, and a very complex surgical extraction from £650. For a full breakdown of the fees, please see the fee guide here.
Can I have my tooth extracted under sedation?
Absolutely. Bespoke offers sedative options, including conscious sedation, to all patients who have anxiety or special needs. Find out more about sedation at our practice here.
How painful is wisdom tooth removal?
With local anesthesia or sedation, your wisdom tooth removal won’t hurt at all. You might feel some discomfort or pressure, but you’ll never feel pain.
To manage postoperative pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medication.
Are there any complications associated with a wisdom tooth removal?
Although very rare, oral surgery for wisdom tooth extraction can cause complications like nerve damage, permanent or temporary numbness, damage to nearby teeth, or dry socket (exposed bone).
How many wisdom teeth are there in total?
Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth (upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right). However, it’s not unusual to have fewer than four, or even no wisdom teeth at all.
What is a dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful complication of tooth extraction that occurs when the blood clot at the wound is moved, exposing the bone underneath. A dry socket can occur if you don’t follow your dentist’s post-op instructions carefully.
When is the surgical removal of a wisdom tooth necessary?
If your wisdom tooth is impacted, either within the gum or bone, it will need to be surgically removed.