Wisdom teeth removal

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  You'll need some form of anaesthetic to have a wisdom tooth extracted. If you have a local anaesthetic, your consultant will give you an injection in your gums to numb the area. If you're having general anaesthetic, you'll be asleep. Your consultant will recommend which type of anaesthetic is best for you. During the procedure, your consultant may cut back your gum very slightly. And they might have to remove a small amount of bone. They might also need to cut your wisdom tooth into one or more pieces to make it easier to extract. Once your tooth has been extracted, your consultant will close your gum with dissolvable stitches.

• How to prepare icon plus

  If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• Afterwards icon plus

  You should be able to go home after your procedure. If you've had general anaesthetic, you might feel a bit groggy straight afterwards and you should arrange for someone to drive you home. You might feel some discomfort and pain for a while after having a wisdom tooth extracted but this should go quite quickly. Your consultant might prescribe some pain relief. And they might also suggest you use special mouthwash in the few days after your procedure.