Wisdom Teeth Removal in Surbiton

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Surbiton

Post by : Dr Keiron Thompson BDS GDC No. 228585 | 9 September 2025

Wisdom teeth removal involves taking out one or more of your third molars, the large teeth located at the very back of your mouth. In some cases, this may require a minor oral surgery procedure, especially if the teeth are impacted or not fully erupted.

These molars typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but the timeline can vary. While some people develop their wisdom teeth with little to no discomfort, others experience complications when there isn’t enough space for the tooth to come through properly. This can lead to impaction, which may result in persistent pain, swelling, or even infection.

At Surbiton Dental, we provide expert wisdom teeth removal in Surbiton, including both routine extractions and more complex wisdom tooth extractions in Surbiton that require surgical intervention. If you’re experiencing discomfort or recurring issues with your wisdom teeth, having them removed can bring much-needed relief and help prevent further complications.

Why Would I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. In many cases, these final molars come through without issue and function just like the rest of your teeth. However, for others, there simply isn’t enough space at the back of the mouth to accommodate these teeth, especially if the jaw is small or crowded. When this happens, the wisdom teeth may grow at an angle or only partially erupt, becoming what’s known as impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, it’s often due to their awkward positioning. A poorly positioned wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria around the gums, increasing the risk of inflammation, decay and infection. This condition, called pericoronitis, can cause considerable discomfort, swelling, and difficulty chewing.

In such cases, wisdom tooth removal in Surbiton is often recommended as a preventative or curative solution. At Surbiton Dental, our experienced clinicians will assess your individual case and determine whether extraction is necessary based on symptoms, X-rays, and your overall oral health.

Wisdom teeth removal in Surbiton is a very common and safe procedure, usually performed during the late teens or early twenties when the tooth roots are not yet fully formed. Most wisdom tooth extractions in Surbiton can be completed at the dental practice under local anaesthetic, making it a straightforward outpatient procedure.

However, for more complex extractions, for example, if the tooth is severely impacted or located near a nerve, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for minor oral surgery, possibly under general anaesthesia.

Before the procedure, you’ll undergo a dental X-ray to allow the dentist to clearly see the positioning of the tooth and surrounding structures. This ensures your treatment plan is safe, precise and tailored to minimise discomfort and risk.

If your case involves additional risks, such as the wisdom tooth being close to a nerve, your dentist may recommend a coronectomy. This technique involves removing the crown of the tooth while leaving part of the root intact, reducing the chance of nerve damage.

Still unsure about whether removal is right for you? Book a consultation with our team at Surbiton Dental. We’ll walk you through the procedure, discuss any possible discomfort and help you understand your options before you give consent; no question is too small.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The exact steps involved in wisdom teeth removal in Surbiton will depend on how deeply the teeth are positioned and how complex the case is. Typically, upper wisdom teeth are simpler to remove than lower ones, but your dentist for wisdom tooth removal or oral surgeon will let you know what to expect based on your individual situation.

If your wisdom teeth are being removed at your local dental clinic, the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which fully numbs the treatment area. While you’ll be awake during the procedure, you won’t feel pain, just pressure. In some cases, patients are also offered sedation alongside the anaesthetic to help them feel calm and relaxed throughout the treatment.

For more complex wisdom tooth extractions in Surbiton, such as impacted teeth growing sideways, beneath the gum line or close to a nerve, you may be referred for oral surgery in Surbiton. This is often done in a hospital setting, using general anaesthesia so that you’re completely asleep during the procedure.

Once the anaesthesia takes effect, your dentist or surgeon will gently begin the extraction. This may involve easing the tooth out with special instruments or making a small incision in the gum to access a partially or fully impacted tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal. If an incision is made, you may need dissolving stitches to close the wound.

What to Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Your recovery experience will depend on the type of anaesthetic used and whether you’ve had a simple or surgical extraction.

If you’ve had general anaesthesia or sedation, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home. It’s a good idea to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours while the effects wear off.

If you had a local anaesthetic, expect numbness to persist for a few hours after the procedure. Take care not to bite your lip or tongue or apply pressure to the area. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the sensation returns fully.

You may experience some soreness, swelling, or limited jaw movement as the anaesthetic wears off; this is completely normal. Your dentist will provide wisdom teeth pain relief options, including over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, and may also supply an antiseptic mouthwash. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present during extraction.

Your clinician will also offer detailed aftercare advice to promote healing and prevent complications like dry socket, a painful condition that occurs if the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged too early. Following post-op care instructions, avoiding smoking and drinking through straws, and eating soft foods can help you heal quickly and comfortably.

Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Removal in Surbiton

Whether you’ve undergone a simple extraction or a more complex oral surgery in Surbiton, it’s normal to experience some discomfort in the days following your procedure. Proper aftercare is essential for healing well and avoiding complications like dry socket.

Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief

After wisdom tooth extraction in Surbiton, you’ll likely feel sore or swollen for the first couple of days. Pain typically peaks within 48 hours before improving steadily. To manage discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol as advised by your dentist or surgeon.
• In some cases, alternating the two can offer more effective pain management, but always follow the guidance on the packaging or from your healthcare provider.
• Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and ease jaw stiffness.

Keeping the Area Clean

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial after dental extractions in Surbiton, especially during the healing process.

• Within the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing too forcefully. Instead, gently swish warm salt water or a recommended antimicrobial mouthwash after meals to help keep the wound free from food particles.
• Brush your teeth as normal, but avoid the surgical site initially. Gradually work closer over a few days, being gentle around any dissolving stitches.
• If bleeding continues, gently bite down on clean gauze or a soft cloth for several minutes.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and sucking actions (e.g. drinking through a straw) for at least 48 hours, as these can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition that requires prompt treatment.

Eating and Drinking After Tooth Extraction

In the first few hours after your tooth extraction in Surbiton, avoid all food and drink until numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury. Once ready:

• Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soups, mashed potatoes, smoothies, or porridge.
• Gradually reintroduce solid foods over the next several days, just chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Avoid very hot or cold items, which can trigger sensitivity or bleeding at the extraction site.
• Stay away from alcohol, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages during the first 24 hours post-op.

Common Side-Effects of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Most people experience some minor and temporary side effects after wisdom teeth removal in Surbiton. These usually resolve within two to three days:

• Mild to moderate pain and swelling in the jaw area.
• Temporary difficulty opening your mouth.
• Bruising on the cheek or jawline.
• Tiredness or fatigue.
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste.
• Mild sensitivity in the surrounding teeth.

If any of these symptoms worsen, or if you notice signs of infection (fever, pus, severe swelling), speak to your oral surgeon in Surbiton immediately.

Possible Complications After Wisdom Tooth Removal in Surbiton

While wisdom tooth removal in Surbiton is a routine procedure, like any form of oral surgery, it does come with a few potential complications. These are typically rare and, in most cases, manageable with proper aftercare and professional advice from your dentist.

Here are the most common complications to be aware of:

Infection

Following your dental extraction in Surbiton, it’s possible (though uncommon) for the gum tissue around the removal site to become infected. Signs of infection include:

• Persistent swelling.
• Increasing pain.
• Pus or a foul taste in the mouth.
• Fever.

If you suspect an infection, get in touch with your oral surgeon in Surbiton or dental team as soon as possible. You may require antibiotics or further cleaning of the site.

Accidental Damage to Nearby Teeth

During the removal of your wisdom teeth, especially if they are impacted, there’s a small risk of accidental damage to adjacent teeth, dental work (such as fillings or crowns), or surrounding bone.

This is more likely if teeth are tightly packed or the wisdom tooth is deeply embedded. However, this risk is minimised when the procedure is carried out by an experienced dentist.

Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)

One of the more painful complications is dry socket, which occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.

This condition can cause:

• Intense throbbing pain a few days post-extraction.
• Radiating pain to the ear, temple, or jaw.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a dry socket, don’t wait; contact your dental practice for immediate treatment. Your dentist may need to clean the area and apply a soothing medicated dressing.

Nerve Damage

In rare cases, wisdom tooth extraction in Surbiton can cause temporary or (very rarely) permanent nerve damage. This can affect the inferior alveolar nerve or lingual nerve, which run close to lower wisdom teeth.

Symptoms may include:

• Tingling or pins and needles.
• Numbness in the tongue, lips, chin, or gums.
• Loss of sensation or altered taste.

For most people, these sensations improve within a few weeks to months as the nerves heal. Your oral surgeon in Surbiton will explain your risk based on X-rays and CT scans taken before surgery.

Jaw Fracture (Extremely Rare)

In very rare instances, particularly with older patients who have weakened jawbone density, a fractured jaw can occur during extraction. This is highly uncommon and typically avoidable with careful surgical technique.

When to Seek Help

The majority of people recover from wisdom teeth removal in Surbiton without issues. However, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain beyond 3–4 days.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Swelling that doesn’t improve.
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
• Symptoms of dry socket or nerve damage.

Your dental team will explain the personalised risks of wisdom tooth removal based on your anatomy, medical history, and level of impaction. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; understanding your individual risk factors helps you make informed decisions and feel more confident before surgery.

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