Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through, usually in the late teens or twenties
They're removed when they're causing problems, such as pain or infection
This often happens when there isn't enough space for them, causing them to become impacted
It's one of the most common dental procedures carried out in the UK
If wisdom teeth aren't causing problems, they're usually just monitored rather than removed
About Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come through, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties, once the rest of the adult teeth are already in place. Because there often isn't enough room left in the jaw, wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an awkward angle or only partially come through — known as being impacted — which can lead to pain, swelling, or infection in the surrounding gum.
If a wisdom tooth isn't causing any problems, it's usually simply left alone and monitored at routine dental check-ups, rather than removed as a precaution. It's worth seeing a dentist if you're experiencing pain or discomfort from a wisdom tooth, so they can assess whether removal is genuinely needed.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Wisdom Tooth Removal · Procedure
What Happens During Removal
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
The Procedure
Before removal, your dentist may take an X-ray to check exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. Depending on how straightforward the extraction is likely to be, your own dentist may carry out the procedure, or refer you to a specialist at a hospital, clinic, or another dental practice.
Removal is usually done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed and you won't feel pain, though you may notice some pressure or movement during the procedure. Once the tooth is out, a blood clot forms over the wound to help it heal, and any stitches used will usually dissolve on their own over the following days.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Wisdom Tooth Removal · Recovery
Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Removal
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What to Expect
Most people can return to normal activities the day after a straightforward extraction, though more complex removals, or those needing a general anaesthetic, may need a few days off to recover. Some pain and swelling in the mouth and cheeks is common for up to two weeks, usually easing after the first day or two — a cold cloth pressed gently against the face can help with swelling, and your dentist will advise on suitable painkillers.
To help healing, avoid disturbing the blood clot that forms in the empty socket — this means avoiding vigorous rinsing, smoking, or using straws in the first day or so, since these can dislodge it and increase the risk of a painful complication called "dry socket." Gently keeping the rest of your teeth clean, while avoiding the healing area, also helps reduce infection risk.
Contact your dentist if you notice bleeding that won't stop, worsening pain a few days after the procedure, a persistent bad taste or smell from the socket, or any tingling or numbness in the tongue, lip or chin, since these can occasionally indicate a complication that needs prompt attention.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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