Wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth and dental extractions
It is often the case that the wisdom teeth, acting to erupt, are prevented by the teeth in front. As a result, the wisdom teeth will be partially or fully below the level of the gum (more commonly known as impaction). This can cause an infection around the wisdom teeth or cause problems with neighbouring teeth.
Our experienced dental surgeons at the Oral Surgery practice offer wisdom teeth extractions as part of their services. We also have a three-dimensional CT scanner that is often found in hospitals, enabling us to determine the extent of your jaw problem prior to the extractions.
Sedation is available for the teeth extraction procedure if needed. We will discuss all applicable guidelines and instructions with you and adhere to guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
The periodontium may need to be covered around the crown of the tooth before the wisdom tooth may be removed. We have the latest technology such as the piezotome to allow our dentists to perform low, minimally invasive treatments.
Wisdom Teeth Treatment
A wisdom tooth, also called third molar is one of the three molars of human dentition. In moste cases they start to come through the back of our gum and at each corner of the jaw towards the late teens and early twenties. Adults mostly have 4 wisdom teeth which means one in each of the four quadrants, however they can have fewer or more. These extra teeth are known as supernumerary teeth. Wisdom teeth are said to affect other teeth when they grow and become impacted. They are usually extracted by a wisdom teeth removal procedure when or even before this occurs.
Wisdom Tooth Pain and Complications
The lack of room in the human jaw can result in either emergence of these teeth from an angle or below neighbouring teeth; or only partial mergence. In either case, these abnormal emergences are termed “impacted”, and are characterised by wisdom tooth pain, which is the type of pain at the back of our jaws when wisdom teeth come out.
Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, initiating a build-up of plaque, which results in further dental complications such as gum disease and tooth decay. However, removal of some impacted wisdom teeth is not advised, as some impacted teeth tend not to cause other dental problems. Nevertheless, some clients tend to go ahead with the procedure of extraction of their impacted wisdom teeth, as in modern days they are not of great benefit, and taking the removal cost to consideration, it is the option many have chosen to protect their smiles.
Signs and symptoms of oral infection caused by a wisdom tooth may be:
- Red & itchy gum near the wisdom tooth
- Swelling
- Pain
- Pus coming from the gum
- Lymph glands under the jaw become swollen and sore
- Difficulties opening the mouth
- Suffering from Fever
When wisdom teeth get impacted but are not causing trouble, they do not need to be removed. Their removal mainly occurs because of the extensive range of difficulties that may result from impacted wisdom teeth. Food particles and bacteria may get stuck in your teeth, which may result in the formation of plaque.
This can lead to:
- Tooth Decay – This mainly occurs when the plaque breaks down on the surface of your tooth. When tooth decay or dental carries becomes advanced, it leaves cavities in the tooth which may affect your surrounding teeth.
- Gum Disease (Periodontal disease or gingivitis) – This takes place when plaque releases toxins that cause irritation in the gums causing them to turn red, painful and swollen. Gum disease may even affect surrounding teeth and bone around your wisdom teeth.
- Pericoronitis – When plaque causes infection of the soft tissue that surrounds your tooth.
- Cellulitis – a bacterial infection that occurs in the tongue, cheek or throat.
- Dental Abscess – When pus collects in your surrounding tissue or wisdom teeth due to bacterial infection.
- Cysts and Benign Growths – Wisdom tooth that has not been cut through the gum and develops a cyst or a fluid-filled swelling.
You can take care of a lot of oral disorders with the antibiotics and mouthwash that you ingest. Consequently, oral surgery is only recommended if the other treatment options are ineffective.
Your oral surgeon can remove your teeth or refer you to a dental professional for further treatment. Before the procedure begins, the area will be numbed by anaesthetic injection. You may feel some pressure when your tooth is being pulled. The oral surgeon should loosen the tooth socket by rocking back and forth.
In some situations, a cut might be required in the gum and your tooth may be cut into small pieces before it gets removed.
The time required to remove the tooth will vary from person to person. Some procedures take only a few minutes, whereas others may require 20 minutes or more.
Local anaesthetic injections are often administered to clients to numb the area, to make extraction painless. The only sensation you will perceive is the slight pressure right after removal of your tooth.
Your dentist might need to separate your gums and teeth because they can give rise to discomfort throughout the procedure. Dentist performs the procedure by numbing your treatment area to avoid the pain to a minimum.
After your wisdom tooth is removed, you might experience some complications which include:
- Swelling or inflammation cheeks and mouth
- Bleeding
- Dry socket in which blood clot does not form into the tooth socket or if blood clot gets dislodged
- Nerve injury that may be the reason for temporary or permanent problems like numbness and pain
Infection which shows signs of white discharge from extraction, high temperature, constant pain and swelling
It takes three to four days on average, though this can fluctuate wildly. Timing is highly dependent on the degree of impairment or eruption and can sometimes take up to two weeks.
- To prevent swelling and skin colour changes use an ice pack
- Exercise your jaw by slowly closing and opening your mouth
- Stay hydrated
- Start brushing your teeth after one day, unless advised otherwise
- Only use the painkillers prescribed/advised by your doctor
- Eating hard or sticky food
- Drinking fizzy drinks
- Do not use a straw to drink, as it may loosen your blood clots for the first 48 hours
- Smoking
- Not rinsing of your mouth for the first 24 hours
Wisdom tooth extraction can cost £150 to £350 in general, depending on the procedure. The estimated fees also do not account for any additional costs of X-rays or additional nonsurgical procedures.
Typically, the cost of extracting a wisdom tooth depends on the following factors:
- The complexity and extent of the extraction procedure (e.g. impacted tooth)
- The type of the procedure (surgical or non-surgical)
The restorative dentist will go over the precise wisdom tooth extraction price with the prospective patient during the consultation.
Our Wisdom Tooth Surgeon
Dr Javier Perez
Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010. His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.
Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.
At Dental Care Centre New Cross our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practitioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Dental Care Centre New Cross.
Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.
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