SPECIALIST
ORAL SURGEON
LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON
WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the 3rd molar teeth and can erupt into your mouth from your late teenage years onwards.
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Why do they need to be removed?
Sometimes wisdom teeth become impacted (or trapped) and can cause pain, swelling, infection or damage to the adjacent tooth.
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How are wisdom teeth removed?
The procedure involves injecting local anaesthetic into the gum, lifting the gum back and dividing the tooth into pieces to remove it. Stitches are placed in the gum to help the wound heal quickly. The procedure can be performed under intravenous sedation if you are nervous about having it done.
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What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?
Most risks associated with wisdom tooth removal are temporary and improve within 7 days of surgery. Below the lower wisdom teeth lies a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin, teeth, gums and tongue on that side of the mouth. This nerve is not a movement nerve. There is a small risk that this nerve can get bruised during the procedure and it can feel different afterwards. This risk is low and usually the altered feeling resolves spontaneously. Sometimes we may take a 3D scan of the wisdom tooth and the nerve if they look close to one another on the X-ray. In some cases if the wisdom tooth and nerve are too close to each other a procedure called a Coronectomy can be performed.
How long is the recovery following wisdom tooth removal?
Pain and swelling usually lasts between 3-7 days after tooth removal. Most patients can return to work between 24-48 hours after the procedure.
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Is the surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful because we use local anesthesia or sedation to ensure you are comfortable. After the surgery, some discomfort is normal, but we provide pain management options to help you recover comfortably.
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How long does the surgery take?
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Some cases may take less time.
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Will I be awake during the surgery?
You have options for anesthesia: local anesthesia (you are awake but numb) or intravenous sedation (you are drowsy, relaxed and forgetful). We will discuss the best choice for your needs and comfort.
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What should I eat after surgery?
Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (avoid using straws). Gradually reintroduce other foods as you feel more comfortable.
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