Wisdom Teeth Removal
This page will provide you with information about wisdom teeth removal. For further details, please speak to your consultant.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are third molar teeth situated at the very back of your mouth. These teeth generally come through (erupt) during adolescence or early adulthood.
It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to only partially come through or get stuck, which often leaves a flap of gum over the tooth (see Figure 1). In other instances, the tooth can over erupt and grow too long.
![](https://parkside.aspen.uniondigital.uk/files/2018/11/Removing-wisdom-teeth.png)
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A wisdom tooth may need to be taken out for a number of reasons: to prevent gum or cheek damage, due to tooth decay, because it is repeatedly causing infection, or to clear space for nearby teeth.
What are the alternatives to surgery?
Painkillers and paracetamol are often prescribed to people suffering from mild pain. Infections can be treated with antibiotics or through using chlorhexidine mouthwash or salty, hot water. However, these solutions provide only temporary relief and are not long-term solutions.
A long-term solution would be to surgically remove the wisdom tooth, as this will prevent any symptoms returning. If the flap of gum over the wisdom tooth is causing problems then it is possible to have this removed in a procedure known as an operculectomy.
What will happen during the operation?
Upper wisdom teeth tend to be less problematic and can usually be removed under local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth, however, can sometimes be more difficult to remove and often require general anaesthetic.
The type of surgery you undergo will depend entirely on your individual case, and the severity of your problem. The procedure can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
Risks and complications
Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.
Recovery
The majority of patients are generally able to return home the same day as their surgery. Your consultant may prescribe you antibiotics but this will depend on the severity of your procedure.
It is advised that you refrain from bathing in hot water, drinking alcohol or exercising for 1-2 weeks after the operation, as this will help limit any bruising, bleeding or swelling. Most patients will rest for a week before returning to work.
Exercising on a regular basis can help speed up the recovery process; however, you should discuss this with your consultant first.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Consultants
Qualifications
FDS FRCS (OMFS) MS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery – including wisdom tooth removal
Hard and soft tissue facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Oral...
Qualifications
FDS FRCS (OMFS) MS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery – including wisdom tooth removal
Hard and soft tissue facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Oral...
Qualifications
MSc FFDRCSI FRCS(Ed) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Facial Trauma
Facial deformity; Skin tumours/ cancer/ oncology
Dento-alveolar surgery; Orthognathic surgery (jaws,...
Qualifications
MSc FFDRCSI FRCS(Ed) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Facial Trauma
Facial deformity; Skin tumours/ cancer/ oncology
Dento-alveolar surgery; Orthognathic surgery (jaws,...
Qualifications
BDS MBBCh BAO MFDS MRCS FRCS(Intercollegiate) FRCS (OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Orthognathic surgery to correct upper and lower jaw deformity
Orthognathic surgery in severe cases of obstructive...
Qualifications
BDS MBBCh BAO MFDS MRCS FRCS(Intercollegiate) FRCS (OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Orthognathic surgery to correct upper and lower jaw deformity
Orthognathic surgery in severe cases of obstructive...
Qualifications
BDS(Hons), MB ChB, FDS RCS, FRCS Eng, FRCS OMFS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery, oral medicine, salivary gland disease, facial trauma, head & neck oncology including skin...
Qualifications
BDS(Hons), MB ChB, FDS RCS, FRCS Eng, FRCS OMFS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery, oral medicine, salivary gland disease, facial trauma, head & neck oncology including skin...
Qualifications
MB BS(Hons) BDS(Hons) FDS RCS FRCS
Clinical Interests
Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth
Facial deformity
Facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Facial skin cancer
Diagnosis of mouth...
Qualifications
MB BS(Hons) BDS(Hons) FDS RCS FRCS
Clinical Interests
Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth
Facial deformity
Facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Facial skin cancer
Diagnosis of mouth...
Qualifications
BDS (Birmingham) FDS RCS(Eng) MBChB(Bristol) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Craniofacial
Surgical dermatology
Oral surgery
Facial aesthetic surgery
Facial trauma
Qualifications
BDS (Birmingham) FDS RCS(Eng) MBChB(Bristol) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Craniofacial
Surgical dermatology
Oral surgery
Facial aesthetic surgery
Facial trauma