Wisdom tooth removal – NHS

The removal of wisdom teeth (or third molars) is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in the UK.

Wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums and are the last teeth to come out. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth (1 in each corner).

Wisdom teeth usually grow through the gums in the late teens or early 20s. By this time, the other 28 adult teeth are usually in place, so there isn’t always enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow properly.

Due to lack of space, wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or become stuck and only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth that grow this way are known as impacted.

When to visit a dentist

You should make an appointment to see your dentist if your wisdom teeth are causing severe pain. They will check your teeth and advise if they need to be removed.

If your dentist thinks you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, they will usually take an x-ray of your mouth. This gives them a clearer picture of where your teeth are.

As with any dental problem, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your regular dental check-up.

Find your local dentist

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

Your wisdom teeth usually do not need to be removed if they are impacted but not causing problems. This is because there is no proven benefit from it and it carries the risk of complications.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth that are impacted or haven’t completely broken through the gum surface can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing plaque to build up, which can lead to:

• tooth decay (dental caries)
• gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease)
• pericoronitis – when plaque causes infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth
• cellulitis – a bacterial infection on the cheek, tongue or throat
• abscess – a collection of pus in your wisdom teeth or in the surrounding tissue as a result of a bacterial infection
• cysts and benign growths – very rarely, a wisdom tooth that has not cut the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling)

Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes.

Wisdom tooth removal is usually recommended when other treatments have failed.

How wisdom teeth are removed

Your dentist may remove your wisdom teeth or may refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital care.

Before the operation, the procedure will usually be explained to you and you may be asked to sign a consent form.

You will usually be given a local anesthetic injection to numb the area around the tooth. You will feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth.

Sometimes a small cut in the gum is necessary and the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before it can be removed.

It takes anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or sometimes even longer, to remove a wisdom tooth.

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you may experience swelling and discomfort, both inside and outside your mouth. Occasionally, some mild bruising is also visible. This is usually worse for the first 3 days, but can last up to 2 weeks.

Read more about how a wisdom tooth is removed and how to recover from a wisdom tooth removal.

Possible complications

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with the removal of a wisdom tooth. These include infection or delayed healing, which are more likely if you smoke during your recovery.

Another potential complication is “dry socket,” which is a dull aching sensation in your gums or jaw and sometimes a foul smell or taste coming from the empty tooth socket. A dry socket is more likely if you don’t follow the aftercare instructions given by your dentist.

There is also a small risk of nerve damage, which can cause tingling or numbness in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth and gums. This is usually temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent.

Read more about the possible complications of wisdom tooth removal.

Dental costs

Dentists charge according to the treatment required, unless you are under 18 or otherwise exempt from NHS charges.

If hospital care is required, it will be provided free of charge through the NHS.

Read more about dental costs.