Wisdom teeth are the last to develop in your jaws; often there is not enough space for them to erupt into the correct position unlike other teeth in your mouth. Wisdom teeth may cause pain, swelling or infection and inflammation to the gum covering your tooth - they may also be decayed.
Wisdom teeth can also cause damage to neighbouring teeth, resulting in decay in other areas. In this situation, they need to be removed to protect your mouth, gums and other teeth.
It depends on the position of the tooth, but wisdom tooth extraction typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes. Local anaesthic is administered, which numbs the area and mean you will feel no pain whilst the wisdom tooth is removed.
You may experience some discomfort and swelling, both on the inside and outside of your mouth after extraction. This is usually worse for the first few days, but will subside. It can take a couple of weeks before all soreness goes. After the procedure, you will need to eat a soft diet for several days and clean the area as much as possible. Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash or warm salt water can not only help clean, but also take away some of the discomfort you may be feeling.
A coronectomy may be considered if the nerve is in close contact with the wisdom tooth. This procedure will minimise the risk of damaging the nerve. The procedure involves removing the upper part of the wisdom tooth while some of the roots are left behind.
Dr Hannah Flynn qualified from The University of Leeds in 2000. Following completion of vocational training, she moved to Ireland where she excelled as a practice owner for more than 15 years, winning several dental awards. As an experienced dental surgeon, she has developed her expertise to include areas of special interest in Oral Surgery, Conscious Sedation and Dental Implants.
Your first consultation is completely free. There is no refundable booking fee so no need for your card details when you book an appointment. It is important that you get all the facts right to help you make an informed choice.
15 Artillery Passage
London
E1 7LJ
United Kingdom
Dr Hannah Flynn qualified from The University of Leeds in 2000. Following completion of vocational training, she moved to Ireland where she excelled as a practice owner for more than 15 years, winning several dental awards including Most Trusted Dental Practice; Dental Practice of the Year; Best Employer and Sensodyne Dentist of the Year for the diagnosis and management of oral cancer.
Hannah has several postgraduate qualifications including a Diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons; a Diploma in Conscious Sedation (Distinction) at Guy’s Hospital, and a Master’s (Distinction) in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, receiving the highest overall grade in her class of 70. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education at Kings College London.
Since returning to London, Hannah works at Guys Hospital in the Department of Sedation and Special Care as well as in private practice providing oral surgery services. She has a special interest in the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, removal of retained roots and treatment of problematic extractions, as well as the removal of teeth in patients with complex medical histories.
British Association of Oral Surgery
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Association of British Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Dental Sedation Teachers Group
Society for Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry
