Advanced Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal in North London

Consider removal if you have clear symptoms. These include a dull or sharp ache at the back of the jaw, recurring gum infections around the emerging tooth (pericoronitis), or swelling in the gums or cheek. Some patients feel pressure that can affect the neighboring molar. In rare cases a cyst can form around the tooth and damage the jawbone if untreated. The Oral Health Foundation notes that about 9 in 10 people aged 18 to 30 will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. If you recognize these signs, book a consultation at our Finchley clinic to find relief.

We plan the procedure with your comfort and safety in mind. First, you have a 60 minute consultation using our 3D CBCT scanner to view the tooth, roots, and proximity to nearby nerves. This helps us plan the extraction precisely. On the day, the procedure lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel pressure but not pain. For a complex impaction, the tooth may be split into pieces for a gentle removal with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue. The area is then closed with dissolvable stitches to aid healing.

Recovery is our priority. In the first 24 to 48 hours, expect some swelling and discomfort. Manage it with over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and by applying an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minute intervals. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid hot drinks and alcohol. For the first week, avoid strenuous activity to reduce bleeding. Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean. Most people feel better within 3 to 5 days and are fully recovered in about two weeks. A patient from Muswell Hill who had a partially erupted tooth removed was back to light activities within three days by following these steps. Sticking to a soft diet helped a comfortable recovery. Red Flags: Call during office hours Mon Wed Fri 9-5, Tue Thu 11-7 if you have severe throbbing pain not relieved by painkillers after day 4, a fever above 38°C, or a foul taste suggesting infection. For emergencies outside these hours, go to A&E or call 111.

While removal is often the best solution for a problematic wisdom tooth, it is not the only option. If your tooth is impacted but shows no symptoms, a watchful waiting approach may be suitable, where we monitor it with regular x-rays. In rare cases where the tooth's roots are very close to the main nerve in the jaw, a coronectomy might be recommended. This involves removing only the crown of the tooth and leaving the roots behind to avoid nerve damage. This was the ideal solution for a patient from Barnet whose 3D scan showed a high risk of nerve injury with a full extraction. We will discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation to decide what works best for your situation.

The cost for removing an impacted wisdom tooth varies depending on the complexity of the case. A simple extraction is different from a surgical extraction of a tooth deeply embedded in the jawbone. Following your initial consultation and 3D scan, we'll provide you with a detailed treatment plan and a full, transparent breakdown of the costs involved, with no hidden fees. We are a private-only practice and do not offer NHS services. However, we accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our team know if you have coverage you'd like to use.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether it is with us or another practice in North London, here are some important questions to ask: bas ed on my scan, how complex will my extraction be, what are the specific risks in my case such as proximity to nerves, how much time should I plan to take off work or studies to recover, what is the total cost and does it include the consultation, scans, and any follow-up appointments, what is your experience with removing deeply impacted teeth like mine, and do you offer any payment plans or accept my dental insurance.