Wisdom tooth removal in Chester

The latest UK data shows that around 75,000 people have a wisdom tooth removed each year. In this guide, we consider when the time might be right for you to also select this treatment.

When does it become necessary to remove a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth are removed from the back of the mouth when they become problematic. As teeth that grow later in life, sometimes in our teens or early 20s, they can cause issues if there isn’t enough space for them to grow, or if they are concealed by gums or blocked by a different tooth. These complications can happen at any age.

It becomes a problem to address if their presence causes pain, swelling, pericoronitis infections, gum disease, tooth decay or a dental abscess. Other issues might include food buildup or excessive cyst fluid.

A dentist may opt to perform an X-ray to assess whether the wisdom tooth is in the correct position. If not considered an issue, it will ordinarily be left and monitored at a future check-up.

A dentist may opt to proceed with an extraction, or in some instances, refer across to a specialist. The procedure involves cutting the gum and widening the socket, before removing the tooth in one or multiple pieces. The gum is then stitched up afterwards. Patients are given a local anaesthetic, with possible additional sedation, and surgery usually lasts no longer than 40 minutes.

Patients on general anaesthetics may need to remain under observation overnight after surgery and typically take longer to recover – possibly having to take up to three days off work. Most people, however, should be able to resume the day after.

In the fortnight following the extraction, some people may notice some brief swelling or bruising and jaw stiffness, making chewing and swallowing more difficult.

Post-operative oral hygiene should be attended to carefully. This means avoiding vigorous rinsing, not smoking or using drinking straws until any blood clots have cleared. It also means not disturbing the affected area.

For information on the cost of extracting a tooth, check out our fee structure. If you think you may need a wisdom tooth removal in Chester, or require a follow-up appointment, call our team at Art of Dental Care today.