Please read the information below carefully as it explains what is involved in the procedure and what to expect afterwards.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are usually the last teeth to come through. There may not be enough room for them, causing them to become impacted between the tooth in front and the jawbone.

An impacted wisdom tooth may lead to:

• Repeated gum infections, causing pain, swelling and difficulty opening the mouth
• Food trapping, which can cause decay in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent tooth
• Formation of a cyst if the tooth does not erupt properly

Why Do I Need Treatment?

Some wisdom teeth are easy to remove, but many require a minor surgical procedure, which may include:

• A small cut in the gum
• Removal of some bone around the tooth using a drill
• Occasionally dividing the tooth into two pieces

Stitches that dissolve in 7–10 days may be used to close the gum.

Types of Anaesthetic

Depending on the difficulty of your case and your level of anxiety, you may receive:

• Local anaesthetic – numbs the area
• Local anaesthetic with sedation – given into a vein, makes you drowsy and relaxed
• General anaesthetic – you are fully asleep

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure can take 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how difficult the tooth is to remove.

Are There Any Risks?

Most people recover without complications, but risks include:

Nerve Injury

Two nerves lie close to lower wisdom teeth:

• One supplies feeling to your lower lip, chin and lower teeth
• The other supplies feeling to your tongue and helps with taste

Possible effects:

• Tingling or numbness in the lip, chin or tongue
• Rarely, altered taste

About 1 in 10 people experience temporary tingling that lasts several weeks.
Less than 1 in 100 have symptoms lasting more than a year.

Your surgeon will explain if your tooth position increases this risk.

Bruising & Swelling

• Bruising of the face and neck may occur
• Swelling peaks around day 2–3 and reduces over a week

Pain

• Pain at the surgical site is expected and usually managed with painkillers

What to Expect After the Procedure

• Restricted mouth opening for several days
• A soft or semi-solid diet may be required
• Average recovery is 5–7 days
• Stitches (if used) dissolve within 7–10 days

What About Wisdom Teeth That Aren’t Causing Problems?

Wisdom teeth that are not causing symptoms are usually not removed, due to the risk of nerve injury.
However, if you are having a general anaesthetic for a symptomatic tooth, other wisdom teeth that are likely to cause future problems may be removed at the same time.

Do I Need to Take Time Off Work?

Usually you will need to take a few days off work and avoid strenuous activity. You may not be able to drive for 24 hours after intravenous sedation and for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Top Tips After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

For the first 24 hours

• Avoid smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Avoid very hot food and drinks
• Do not rinse your mouth

After 24 hours

• Rinse with chlorhexidine mouthwash, or a hot salty mouthwash, three times daily or after meals
• Take regular painkillers if required
• Eat a soft diet
• Rest until feeling well
• Contact us or your dentist if you have any concerns