Pain or swelling
Tenderness behind the last tooth, jaw ache or swelling around the gum.
Oral surgery in Truro
Wisdom teeth.
We would be pleased to meet you for an oral surgery consultation. We assess the wisdom tooth as part of your whole mouth, review the X-rays needed to understand its position and explain the sensible options.
A balanced decision
Not every wisdom tooth needs treatment.
A healthy wisdom tooth that is not causing disease can often be monitored. We consider the tooth, the molar in front, your gums, bite and overall dental health before recommending any treatment.
Molar in frontMesioangular impactionNerve canalWhy position matters
Small spaces can create bigger problems.
A tilted or partly erupted wisdom tooth can be difficult to clean. Food and plaque may collect between the teeth or beneath the gum.
PericoronitisInflammation or infection around a partly erupted wisdom tooth.
Distal cervical cariesDecay low down on the back of the molar immediately in front.
Damage nearbyGum problems, resorption, cystic change or damage to the adjacent molar can occasionally occur.
When to arrange an assessment
Symptoms worth checking.
We can assess the problem and explain whether monitoring or treatment is needed.
Repeated infection
Pericoronitis, a bad taste, discharge or difficulty opening your mouth.
Food trapping
A difficult-to-clean area or decay affecting the wisdom tooth or molar in front.
What happens next?
A clear plan, one step at a time.
We assess the tooth, explain the options and agree the next step with you.
We examine your mouth
We listen to your symptoms, examine your whole mouth and review a suitable dental X-ray to understand the tooth’s position and nearby anatomy.
We explain what we find
We explain what the examination and X-ray show, using examples where helpful, and whether monitoring or treatment may be sensible.
We decide together
If treatment is needed, we discuss comfort, costs and recovery before anything is booked.
If removal is right for you
Carefully planned treatment.
The area is made numb with local anaesthetic. Depending on the tooth, it may be removed whole or divided into smaller sections. We will explain what applies to you before treatment.
Local anaesthetic
You should not feel pain during removal. Pressure and movement are normal.
IV sedation
If anxiety is making treatment difficult, explore our sedation service.
Coronectomy
For a suitable lower wisdom tooth close to the nerve, removing the crown while retaining the roots may sometimes reduce nerve risk.
Specialist assessment
Some complex teeth, suspected cysts or important anatomical relationships may need assessment by a specialist or hospital team.
After removal
Give the area time to settle.
Soreness, swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness are normal. You will receive written advice about eating, cleaning, activity and suitable pain relief.
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.
Related care
Support beyond this page.
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 or an abscess.
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?
Yes. We normally need a suitable dental X-ray to assess the wisdom tooth’s position, roots, the tooth in front and nearby structures. If you already have a recent suitable X-ray, please let us know. A CBCT scan may occasionally be advised for extra three-dimensional detail.
What is a CBCT scan?
A CBCT scan is a three-dimensional dental X-ray. It can show the relationship between a lower wisdom tooth and the nearby nerve more clearly than a standard two-dimensional X-ray. It is not routinely needed and will only be considered when the extra information may change your treatment plan.
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. We will explain your personal risk and any need for further imaging or a different treatment approach before treatment.
What happens if a cyst is suspected?
Cysts around wisdom teeth are uncommon. If an X-ray suggests cystic change, further imaging and specialist or hospital assessment may be needed. Tissue removed during treatment may be sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.
Can I have sedation?
Sedation may be an option for suitable patients after a separate assessment. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the area. You can read more on our IV Sedation Dentistry page.
Start with an assessment
Not sure what your wisdom tooth needs?
We would be pleased to meet you for an oral surgery consultation, examine your whole mouth and explain the next sensible step.