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Stop pain and improve your oral health

The arrival of your wisdom teeth can cause pain or issues for your other teeth, especially if they become stuck or impacted, grow at an angle or only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common surgical procedures in the UK and performed regularly at our dental practice in Farnham.

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Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Most people have four wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, which grow at the very back of your mouth. They usually appear during the late teens or early twenties, when all the other adult teeth are in place, and have the tendency to get stuck or grow incorrectly due to a lack of space.

If your wisdom tooth is causing you pain, it is important to get it looked at. We can assess the impact of your tooth on the rest of your mouth and remove it, if necessary, especially if it is causing unnecessary decay, infection or gum disease. However, some wisdom teeth will not need to be taken out and can be managed with other treatments.

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What does the treatment involve?

If your wisdom tooth needs to be removed, we discuss the procedure with you in detail and obtain your consent for the surgery before continuing.

We use local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort and make sure you are relaxed and ready before we begin. We carefully remove your tooth by loosening it little by little until it is easily able to come out. In some cases, and if your wisdom tooth is impacted, we need to make a small cut in your gum to remove it successfully. We may also need to remove large teeth in parts.

Once your tooth has been removed, we ensure you are feeling well and give you some tailored advice on what to expect in the first few days following the procedure.

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After your wisdom tooth extraction

Immediately after your wisdom tooth has been extracted, try to keep the site clean by rinsing it with warm, salty water. Encourage healing of the affected area by eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Also, try to avoid smoking or using a straw, as these can dislodge the clot that forms in the hole after extraction.

If you experience intense pain a few days after an extraction, you may have a condition known as dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged prematurely, exposing the bone. In this case, you will need to see the dentist who will help to rectify the problem and alleviate any pain.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to chat about your wisdom teeth and potential extraction.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?

The recovery time varies with each individual patient, depending on the complexity of the case. In most cases, you will experience swelling and tenderness for the first few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, as advised by your dentist. Many patients are able to return to their normal daily routines soon after treatment.

Are there any alternatives to wisdom tooth removal?

If your wisdom tooth is not causing any pain or discomfort, there is usually no need to remove it. Some infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics and the wisdom tooth able to be left, even if impacted, and kept an eye on at your regular dental examinations. However, if the problem persists, or the impacted tooth is causing issues with cleaning your teeth, we may decide it needs to be removed.

Is the treatment painful?

We use local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort during the extraction, and you should not feel any pain. You may experience some pressure as we loosen your tooth, but this will not be painful and should not take long.

How long does it take to remove a wisdom tooth?

The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to around half an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the timescale at your initial appointment.

Do I need to avoid certain foods after my treatment?

You should try and avoid eating hard, chewy or overly acidic foods immediately following your wisdom tooth removal. These can get lodged in the extraction site and cause infection or pain. It is best to stick to soft foods and drink lots of fluids at first. Your dentist will give you detailed advice on what to do following your treatment, including how long your recovery should take.

What are the risks of wisdom tooth extraction?

There are a few risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Dry sockets
  • Nerve damage

These risks are rare, but they can occur. It is important to talk to your dentist about the risks of wisdom tooth extraction before the procedure.

What are the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction?

There are several benefits to having a wisdom tooth extraction, including:

  • Relief from pain
  • Prevention of gum disease
  • Removal of impacted wisdom teeth
  • Improved alignment of the teeth

If you are experiencing pain, infection, or other problems with your wisdom teeth, wisdom tooth extraction may be the best option for you.

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