01
Pain or swelling
Tenderness behind the last tooth, jaw ache or swelling around the gum.
Oral surgery in Truro
Wisdom teeth. Clear advice first.
Pain or swelling at the back of your mouth does not always mean a wisdom tooth must be removed. We will examine the area, review any X-rays and explain whether treatment, monitoring or referral is the sensible next step.
What are wisdom teeth?
The last adult teeth to arrive – sometimes without enough room.
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth and usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Some come through normally. Others remain partly covered by gum, grow at an angle or stay buried in the jaw.
A partly erupted tooth can be difficult to clean. This may lead to gum infection, food trapping, decay, gum disease, an abscess or, less commonly, a cyst. It can also affect the health of the molar immediately in front.
Not every wisdom tooth needs treatment. A healthy tooth with a low risk of causing disease can often remain in place, with review based on the findings and any future symptoms.
Reasons to arrange an assessment
Symptoms worth checking.
02
Repeated infection
Episodes of pericoronitis, a bad taste, discharge or difficulty opening your mouth.
03
Food trapping or decay
A partly erupted tooth may be hard to clean and can affect the molar in front.
04
An X-ray finding
Damage to a neighbouring tooth, a cyst or another change may be found during assessment.
A balanced decision
Monitor it or remove it?
The right choice depends on what is happening now and the chance of problems developing later. We consider your symptoms, medical and dental history, the position of the tooth, the health of the molar in front and any suitable imaging, then explain the benefits and risks of each option.
Monitoring may be suitable when
The tooth is healthy and quiet
- There is no disease or repeated infection.
- The area can be kept clean.
- The neighbouring tooth is not being damaged.
- Further X-rays are only taken when clinically indicated.
Removal may be considered when
There is a clear clinical reason
- Infection is severe or keeps returning.
- Decay or gum disease cannot be predictably managed.
- The tooth is damaging the molar in front.
- An abscess, cyst, resorption or other disease is present.
What happens next?
A straightforward path from assessment to review.
Every case is different, but most people move through the same four stages.
Assessment
We review your symptoms and medical history, examine the tooth and check the health of the surrounding area.
Recommendation
We explain whether monitoring, treatment here or referral is most appropriate.
Treatment
If removal is advised, the area is numbed. The tooth may be removed whole or in sections.
Recovery
You leave with written aftercare advice and a route back to us if you are concerned.
Planning treatment
Enough information to make a sensible plan.
If surgery is being considered, a panoramic dental X-ray usually shows the position of the tooth, its roots, the molar in front and nearby structures. CBCT is not routine. It may be useful for selected lower wisdom teeth when the roots appear close to the nerve and the extra detail could change the plan.
- Local anaestheticThe area is made numb, so you should not feel pain during removal. Pressure and movement are normal.
- CoronectomyFor a suitable lower wisdom tooth lying very close to the nerve, removing the crown but leaving the roots may sometimes reduce the risk of nerve injury.
- SedationFor some anxious patients or more involved treatment, sedation may be discussed after assessment.
- Referral when appropriateMore complex teeth or those close to important anatomy may be referred to a specialist or hospital service.
After removal
Give the area time to settle.
Some soreness, swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness are normal. We will give you written instructions about food, cleaning, activity and suitable pain relief.
Please contact us promptly if bleeding will not stop, pain or swelling is severe or worsening, painkillers are not helping, or you develop a bad taste with a temperature or feel unwell.
First 24 hoursRest, follow the bleeding advice and avoid disturbing the blood clot.
Days 2-3Swelling and stiffness may be most noticeable before they begin to ease.
Following weekMost people steadily return to normal eating and activity. More difficult removals may take longer.
ReviewWe will tell you whether a routine review is needed and how to contact us with concerns.
Common questions
Wisdom tooth FAQs.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that are not causing problems are usually monitored. Removal is considered when there is a clear clinical reason, such as repeated infection, decay, damage to another tooth, an abscess or a cyst.
Will removal hurt?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. You may feel pressure or movement. Soreness and swelling afterwards are normal and suitable pain relief will be discussed.
Will I need an X-ray or CBCT scan?
A dental X-ray is usually needed to assess the position of the tooth and its roots. CBCT is not routine. It is considered only when the extra detail is clinically justified and may change the treatment plan.
How much time should I allow to recover?
Many people can return to normal activity the next day after a straightforward removal. If treatment is more involved, one to three quieter days may be sensible. Swelling and jaw stiffness can take longer to settle.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful problem that can happen when the blood clot in the socket is lost or does not form properly. Smoking increases the risk. Contact us if pain becomes strong or worsens a few days after treatment.
Could a lower wisdom tooth affect a nerve?
The roots of lower wisdom teeth may sit close to nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin or tongue. Altered sensation is uncommon but can be temporary or, rarely, permanent. Your personal risk and any need for further imaging, coronectomy or referral will be explained before treatment.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not routinely. Antibiotics are used only when there is a clinical need. They do not replace cleaning, drainage or removal of the cause where treatment is required.
Can I have sedation?
Sedation may be an option for suitable patients after assessment. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the area. We can discuss anxiety, medical history, escorts and the practical arrangements at your consultation.
Patient information informed by the Faculty of Dental Surgery’s parameters of care for mandibular third molars, NHS wisdom tooth removal guidance and NICE guidance on impacted wisdom teeth.
Start with an assessment
Not sure what your wisdom tooth needs?
Book an oral surgery consultation with Dr Oliver Turner or call our team.