Should I have my wisdom teeth removed? Your guide to wisdom tooth extractions

What makes wisdom teeth a problem?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to erupt, and by the time they arrive, there often isn’t enough room left in your jaw. When a tooth gets stuck or only partially emerges, known as impaction, it can lead to significant issues.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that wisdom teeth should only be removed if they show signs of pathology (disease or problems), not simply because they are impacted.

Reasons we may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction include:

• Repeated infection (Pericoronitis): When gum tissue traps food and bacteria around a partially emerged tooth, causing painful swelling and infection.
• Untreatable tooth decay: If the tooth is positioned so far back that it is impossible to clean properly, leading to decay in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent molar.
• Cysts or abscesses: Infections that cause a collection of pus or fluid-filled sacs around the tooth.
• Gum disease: The impacted tooth is contributing to severe gum disease.

The Coronectomy alternative

Sometimes, if the roots of a lower wisdom tooth are extremely close to the jaw nerve (the inferior alveolar nerve), we may suggest a coronectomy. This involves only removing the crown (top part) of the tooth and leaving the root behind to prevent potential nerve damage, which is a great option for reducing risk.

Your recovery: What to expect after extraction

Recovery is a crucial part of the process. While you may experience some soreness and swelling, taking these simple aftercare steps, recommended by us and UK dental professionals, will speed up your healing:

What to do

• Manage swelling: Apply a cold compress gently to your cheek for the first 24 hours. Swelling is often worst around day 3 but will subside over a week.
• Keep it clean (after 24 hrs): Starting the day after your surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean.
• Soft diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days (soup, mashed potatoes, yoghurt).
• Pain management: Take prescribed or recommended painkillers (like paracetamol and ibuprofen) regularly to manage discomfort.

What to avoid

• Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least one week, as this significantly increases the risk of a painful complication called dry socket.
• Rinsing & spitting (first 24 hrs): Avoid rinsing, spitting, or sucking through a straw for the first 24 hours to ensure the protective blood clot stays in the socket.
• Hot drinks & alcohol: Avoid very hot drinks and alcohol for the first 24 hours.
• Strenuous activity: Rest up and avoid exercise or strenuous activity for the first few days.

If you are experiencing severe or worsening pain, excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop, or persistent high temperatures, contact us immediately.

A clear treatment plan and the expertise of your dental team ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are causing problems, book a consultation to discuss whether a safe and effective wisdom tooth extraction is the right choice for your oral health.