Wisdom Tooth Extraction Guildford

First, you will receive anaesthesia in order to numb the area being worked on. Some oral surgeons or dentists in Guildford may also offer nitrous oxide to help you relax, or sedation so you do not remember the actual procedure.

If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, removing them is fairly easy — they can usually be lifted out using dental tools and no surgery is required. If your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery: a small flap is created in the gum tissue to access the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering the tooth, that will be carefully cut away to provide clear access.

Sometimes the tooth can be lifted out of the socket once exposed; if it does not budge, it will be sectioned into smaller pieces and removed individually. Once the tooth is fully removed the area is cleaned, the gum flap is laid flat and sutured into place, and gauze is placed to control bleeding.

Immediately following extraction you’ll remain at the practice until the anaesthetic wears off and we’re happy bleeding has slowed. Once you’re sent home, please arrange for someone to drive you.

Plan to rest for the next 48 hours. Have your bed ready with pillows to prop up your head, and stock up on water, additional gauze, ibuprofen and soft foods such as yogurt, ice cream, soup and Jell-O. Ice your face for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen to manage swelling for 24–48 hours.

Gradually add solid foods back into your diet. It can take up to two weeks to feel 100% back to normal. Avoid nuts, chips or anything crunchy that could scratch the gum tissue. A follow-up visit will confirm that you’re healing properly.

The first 48 hours are critical — this is when you may experience bleeding, pressure and swelling. After that, full recovery typically takes a week or two depending on the procedure and whether surgery was required.

To prevent infection, rinse your mouth periodically with warm salt-water. Continue brushing your teeth, taking care to avoid the surgical site. In some cases an antibiotic mouth rinse may also be prescribed.

Each patient is unique and so are their teeth. Whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed depends on the size of your palate. If you have plenty of room and they’ve grown in straight and healthy, they can stay in place. Any tooth that grows in impacted, however, needs to be removed because it poses a direct threat to your other teeth and roots, and can become a target for infection.

The best way to find out is to call 01483 568584 and schedule an appointment with our Guildford dental practice.