Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Wisdom teeth frequently lack the space to erupt properly, leading to impaction, repeated infection, decay in the neighbouring molar, or crowding. When that happens, removal is usually the right decision.

Simple versus surgical extraction

A fully erupted wisdom tooth may need only a straightforward extraction. An impacted tooth — still buried under gum or bone, or angled against the tooth in front — requires a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia.

When to have it assessed

Recurring pain at the back of the jaw, swollen or bleeding gums behind the last molar, a bad taste, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. A digital X-ray shows the tooth’s position and its relationship to the nerve, which determines how the extraction is planned.

Because these teeth sit close to the inferior alveolar nerve and the sinus, having them removed by a maxillofacial surgeon meaningfully reduces the risk of complications.

You may need this if

Recurring pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
A bad taste or discharge around the last tooth
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar in front of it

Not sure whether this applies to you? Call and describe the problem — we will tell you honestly.

What treatment involves

1

X-ray and planning

The tooth's angle, root shape and its distance from the inferior alveolar nerve are assessed before anything is done. This determines the whole approach.

2

Anaesthesia

The area is fully numbed. You feel pressure but not pain.

3

Removal

A fully erupted tooth is lifted out simply. An impacted tooth needs a small gum incision and is often sectioned into pieces so it comes out through a smaller opening.

4

Closing

The site is cleaned and sutured where needed, and you bite on gauze until the clot forms.

Why it is worth doing

Ends recurring pain Stops the repeated infection and swelling caused by an impacted tooth.

Protects the tooth in front Impacted wisdom teeth cause decay and bone loss on the second molar.

Removed by a surgeon These teeth sit close to the nerve and sinus — surgical training matters.

Planned from an X-ray Position and nerve relationship checked before anything is done.

Aftercare

Bite on gauze for 30 minutes and do not keep checking it
Ice on the cheek for the first 24 hours, warmth after that
No smoking, no straws, no vigorous rinsing for 48 hours — these cause dry socket
Soft food, and warm salt water rinses from the second day

Questions

Wisdom Tooth Surgery — FAQs

How long is the recovery?

Most people are comfortable within three to five days. Swelling peaks around day two and then settles. You are given clear aftercare instructions and medication.

Do all wisdom teeth need removing?

No. A wisdom tooth that has erupted fully, bites properly and can be cleaned is best left alone. Removal is recommended when it causes pain, infection, decay or damage to the adjacent tooth.

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