Removal of Wisdom Teeth
This webpage will give you information about removing
wisdom teeth. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the teeth at the back of your mouth (the third
molar teeth). They tend to come through (erupt) in the late teens
or twenties. Some wisdom teeth do not come through fully (partly
erupt) and get stuck (or impacted). This often leaves a flap of gum
over the tooth (see figure 1).
Others grow too long (over erupt). A wisdom tooth may need to be
removed for several reasons such as tooth decay, repeated
infection, to make space for other teeth or to prevent damage to
the cheek or gum.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery can prevent symptoms returning or allow nearby teeth to
be treated.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Simple painkillers can help control mild pain. Antibiotics and
rinsing with hot, salty water can help when the area around the
wisdom tooth is infected. These measures only give temporary relief
of symptoms and do not treat the underlying cause. Removing the gum
lying over the tooth (operculectomy) may be carried out in certain
cases if a wisdom tooth has partly erupted.
What does the operation involve?
Most upper wisdom teeth can be removed easily under a local
anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth are usually more difficult to
remove. Sometimes a general anaesthetic is needed. Removing a
wisdom tooth can involve cutting the gum to uncover the tooth,
removing bone around the tooth and dividing the tooth with a
drill.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Swelling and bruising
- Infection
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Dry socket
- Retained roots
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Sinus problems
- Broken jaw
- Not being able to open the mouth fully (trismus) and jaw
stiffness
- Damage to nerves
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day. Depending on the
difficulty of the operation and the likelihood of infection, you
may be prescribed antibiotics. You should avoid any strenuous
activities for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding,
swelling and bruising. You may need to take up to a week off
work.
Summary
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause serious problems. Removing a
wisdom tooth is usually a safe and effective way to prevent
symptoms coming back.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Sat Parmar FDSRCS FRCS
Illustrations: Mr Sat Parmar FDSRCS FRCS
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Orpington, Bromley Private Patient Unit
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital