Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually come through in the late teens or early twenties, and some people never develop them at all.

Do they always need to come out?

No. If your wisdom teeth have come through fully, are healthy and you can keep them clean, they can often stay. Removing healthy, symptom-free wisdom teeth is not usually recommended in the UK.

When removal may be advised

• Repeated infections of the gum around a partly erupted tooth, called pericoronitis.
• Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front that cannot be repaired.
• Cysts or other changes seen on an X-ray.
• Damage to neighbouring teeth.

Signs to get checked

Swelling or tenderness at the back of the mouth, a bad taste, difficulty opening your mouth or pain when biting can all point to a wisdom tooth problem. If swelling spreads to your face or neck, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical help.

Assessment and treatment

We examine the area and usually take an X-ray to see the position of the tooth and its roots. If removal is advised, we explain the procedure, the recovery and the risks, such as dry socket, swelling and, for some lower teeth, the possibility of nerve-related numbness. Some complex cases are referred elsewhere.

Most extractions are done under local anaesthetic. Recovery varies, but swelling and stiffness typically settle over a few days to a week. Read more on our wisdom tooth removal page.

Contact Dental Wellness Finchley Road

Dental Wellness Finchley Road, 106 Finchley Rd, South Hampstead, London NW3 5JJ.

Call 020 3813 3848, message us on WhatsApp (07522 141064), email smile@dentalwellnessfinchleyroad.co.uk or book online.