What wisdom teeth are
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth at the back of your mouth. They often come through in the teens or early twenties, but they can cause trouble at any age.
When removal is needed
The NHS says removal is usually considered when there isn't enough room for the tooth to come through. For example, a nearby tooth may block it, or gum may partly cover it.
Wisdom teeth can cause:
- pain and swelling
- gum infection
- food getting trapped
- decay or gum disease
- fluid-filled cysts or abscesses
If a wisdom tooth is causing no trouble, it's usually left alone and checked at your routine dental visits. You don't have to have a tooth out just because it's a wisdom tooth.
What happens
Your dentist will look at the tooth and usually take an X-ray. They may take the tooth out themselves, or refer you somewhere else for it, depending on how hard it is.
The NHS describes it like this. The area is numbed. If gum covers the tooth, the surgeon makes a cut. They may widen the socket, and then remove the tooth whole or in pieces. Stitches that dissolve may be used.
It often takes just a few minutes, and should take no more than 40 minutes, says the NHS. Most people go home the same day.
You'll usually have a local anaesthetic. Sedation can help anxious people or those having a harder extraction. A general anaesthetic, where you're asleep, is for complex cases or severe anxiety. Ask your dentist what is suitable for you.
Recovery
Most people go back to normal activities the next day. After a harder extraction or a general anaesthetic, you may need 1 to 3 days off.
For about two weeks you may have some pain and swelling, which should ease after a day or two. You may have a bruised cheek, a stiff jaw, and some discomfort when chewing or swallowing.
Tips from the NHS:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
- Eat soft or liquid foods until chewing is comfortable.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water. Keep brushing your other teeth.
- If it bleeds, press a clean cloth or cotton wool on it for at least 10 minutes.
- Avoid hard, crunchy or small foods, such as nuts and seeds.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and very hot drinks.
- Don't drive for 24 hours after sedation, or 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.
Possible problems
The NHS lists three main risks:
- Dry socket. The blood clot doesn't form well or comes out early, and it hurts.
- Infection. This can need antibiotics.
- Nerve irritation. You may feel numbness or tingling in the tongue, lip or chin. It usually goes, but can take weeks or months.
Get urgent dental help, or call NHS 111, if bleeding won't stop, if pain and swelling get worse despite painkillers, or if you get a bad taste, a fever, or feel unwell. You can also call us on 01205 337 000.
What it costs with us
Our guide price for a simple extraction is £150. A surgical extraction, or a wisdom tooth extraction, is from £250. Your dentist will tell you which one you need, and give you the price before they start. See our pricing page and our extractions and wisdom teeth page.
If you're worried about a wisdom tooth, book a check-up.