Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. A wisdom tooth that has come through cleanly, can be kept clean and isn't causing trouble should be left alone. Removal is for teeth causing repeated infection, decay, or damage to the tooth in front of it.
Wisdom teeth arrive last, at the back of the mouth, where there's often not quite enough room. That's what causes the problems — not the tooth itself being inherently troublesome.
The area is fully numbed first — you should feel firm pressure and movement during the extraction, but not pain. Oral and inhalation sedation is available if you'd rather not be fully aware of it.
What the appointment involves
Before
An examination and X-ray confirm the tooth's exact position and whether it's straightforward or a more surgical removal — that's what the fee actually depends on.
During
Local anaesthetic numbs the area fully. A simple extraction is usually quick; a more complex one, where the tooth is impacted or needs to be sectioned, takes longer but you shouldn't feel pain during either.
Straight afterwards
- Protect the blood clot — no rinsing, smoking, alcohol or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
- Eat soft food on the other side and take ordinary painkillers if you need them.
- From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water and keep brushing your other teeth normally.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket is when the blood clot in the socket is lost too early, leaving the bone exposed. It causes a deep, throbbing ache that starts two to three days after the extraction and often reaches the ear.
It isn't dangerous and is easily treated — ring us and we'll dress the socket for you. It's also the main reason the first-day rules above (no rinsing, no smoking, no straws) matter as much as they do.
Related reading
- Dental emergency? What to do right now — if pain develops unexpectedly afterwards.
- Missing tooth? Implants vs bridges vs dentures — if the gap needs replacing.
- Sedation dentistry for nervous patients — your options if you'd rather not be fully aware of the procedure.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
At Pure Elegant Smile, a simple extraction starts at £200, and a wisdom tooth or an extraction of special difficulty starts at £400. An examination is £45 and X-rays are £20 each.
Can I go back to work the next day?
After a straightforward removal, often yes. After a more surgical one, it's sensible to plan a quiet rest of the day it happens and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours — most people are comfortable within a few days.
Will I need all four wisdom teeth out at once?
Not necessarily — it depends entirely on which teeth are actually causing problems. Plenty of people keep wisdom teeth that have come through cleanly and only have the troublesome ones removed.
Wisdom tooth causing problems?
Reviewed by Dr Nader Gavgani, GDC 75484