Wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth and dental extractions

Commonly the wisdom teeth, in an attempt to erupt, will be prevented in doing so by the teeth in front. As such, the wisdom teeth will remain partially or completely below the line of the gum (also called impaction).
This can lead to an infection around the wisdom tooth or lead problems with adjacent teeth.
We offer wisdom teeth extractions that are carried out by our expert dental surgeons.
We also have a three dimensional ct scanner often found in hopsitals, to reconstruct your jaws in digital three dimension which enables us to carry out comprehensive diagnostics prior to any teeth extractions.
Sedation is offered for teeth extractions if required.
There are specific guidelines for the removal of these impacted wisdom teeth which we will advice you, and we follow guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
The procedure may require the gum around the tooth to be lifted back and the bone around the tooth to be selectively removed to allow the wisdom tooth to be removed. We have specialist technology such as the piezotome to ensure a minimal intervention procedure.

A wisdom tooth, also called third molar is one of the three molars of human dentition. They usually start to come through the back of our gum and at each corner of jaw towards the late teens and early twenties. Adults mostly have 4 wisdom teeth which mean one in each of the four quadrants, however they can have fewer or more. These extra teeth are known as supernumerary teeth. Wisdom teeth is said to affect other teeth when they grow and become impacted. They are usually extracted by wisdom teeth removal procedure when or even before this occur.

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 characterized by wisdom tooth pain, which is the typical 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 in return results in further dental complications such as gum disease and tooth decay. However, removal of some impacted wisdom teeth are 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.

What are the Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection?

Signs and symptoms of oral infection caused by a wisdom tooth include:

Red & itchy gum near the wisdom tooth
Swelling
Feeling Pain
Pus coming from the gum
Lymph glands under the jaw become swollen and sore
Feel the difficulties to open the mouth
Suffering from Fever

Why do You Need to Extract Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth do not have to be removed in case they are impacted but not creating any problem. This is mainly due to the fact that they carry severe complications.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth which get impacted or have not broken completely may lead to serious oral problems. Both food particles and bacteria may get trapped in your wisdom teeth, causing build-up plaque that can be the reason for:

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 treat most of these problems by taking antibiotics and mouthwash. Thus, it is only recommended to remove your wisdom teeth when other treatments do not work out.

How can Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Your dental surgeon may remove your wisdom teeth or refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
Before the treatment begins, you will be given local anaesthetic injection to make the area insensitive around the tooth. You might feel some pressure before the tooth is being removed. The oral surgeon has to widen tooth socket by rocking both back and forth.
In certain cases 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.

How to Get Rapid Pain Relief and Minimum Infection Risk?

Local anaesthetic injections are normally given to clients to numb the area, to make the extraction procedure completely painless. The only feeling you will have is the slight pressure upon removal of your tooth. Sometimes your dentist might think it is necessary to cut your gum, and cut your tooth into smaller pieces in ensure that you are not feeling any discomfort throughout the procedure. The procedure is performed by our expert and experienced dentist who reduce the chances of acquiring infections to minimum.

What are Certain Complications with Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

After your wisdom tooth is removed, there might be some complications which include:

Swelling or inflammation of your cheeks and mouth
severe 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 and constant pain and swelling

How Long is Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Generally it’s taken three to four days, although it can be as long as two weeks. The lenth of recovery time for wisdom teeth removal depends a lot on how badly they were impacted and erupting.

Recovery Tips for Wisdom Teeth Removal

To prevent swelling and skin colour changes use an ice pack
Exercise your jaw by slowly closing and opening your mouth
Keep hydrated
Start brushing your teeth after one day, unless advised otherwise
Only use the painkillers prescribed/advised by your doctor

What to Avoid after Tooth Extraction?

Eating hard or sticky food
Drinking fizzy drinks as much as possible
Do not use a straw to drink, as it may loosen your blood clots for the first 48 hours
Smoking as much as possible
Vigorous rinsing of your mouth for the first 24 hours

How much does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

Wisdom tooth extraction cost may vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Generally, a non-surgical removal procedure could cost anywhere from £150 to £350. The mentioned price range only covers the teeth removal procedure and does not include any fees related to X-rays or oral surgeries.

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 exact wisdom tooth removal cost will be discussed during the consultation session in which the dentist examines the situation and decides which procedure is suitable to conduct the extraction process in the safest possible manner.

Our Wisdom Tooth Surgeon

Dr Sanjay Patel

Dr Sanjay Patel vision is to give the patient an exceptional level of care and experience whether it is routine, cosmetic, or implant based dentistry, using his vast experience gained from working Nationally throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. He undertakes the full spectrum of treatments from general dentistry, to cosmetic dentistry, dental implantology, and invisible braces.

He is the Lead Dental Implantology clinician at 3 practices undertaking both simple and complex dental implantology cases to replace anything from 1 missing tooth to a full arch reconstruction. Using the most advance techniques available to date we are proud that our implantology team has completed over 5000 Dental Implant Placements and has over 30 years combined experience. Dr Sanjay Patel has trained with some of the world’s leading implant surgeon’s and brings experience from across the globe to the clinic.

Dr Sanjay Patel has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry including smile makeovers, invisible orthodontics, replacing missing gaps, and endodontic treatment and re-treatment. He continues to remain at the forefront of modern dentistry undertaking regular national and international training in all aspects.

Outside of dentistry he is happily married and is keen on keeping fit and travelling.

Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.

Sienna M.

The team are great. Friendly, reliable and kept my teeth on the ‘straight n’ narrow’ for years

Sarwar K.

I’ve been having implant treatment with Sanjay for almost a year and he has been great through the whole process as I am not fond of dentists. Today was the final session and the crowns were fitted. I’m really pleased with the work and they look and feel great and are subtle as you can see from the attached pic I just took. I’m more than happy to recommend him and his work!