Wisdom Teeth Removal in Leeds
Wisdom teeth only need removing when they are causing problems or are very likely to. Twilight Dental assesses and removes wisdom teeth at our clinic in Woodhouse, Leeds, including surgical extractions, with evening appointments seven days a week.
Key points
- Assessment first — an X-ray shows the angle, the roots and how close the tooth sits to the nerve in the lower jaw.
- Local anaesthetic for the great majority of cases.
- Upper wisdom teeth are usually straightforward; lower impacted ones more involved.
- Swelling and stiffness peak at around 48 hours and settle over the following days.
- Plan a quiet 48 hours after a surgical removal.
- Not every wisdom tooth needs removing — we will say so if yours does not.
When removal is recommended
- Repeated pericoronitis — infection of the gum over a partly erupted tooth
- Decay in the wisdom tooth that cannot be restored
- Decay or damage being caused to the second molar in front of it
- A cyst or other pathology associated with an unerupted tooth
- Persistent pain or recurrent swelling
- Occasionally, as part of an orthodontic or restorative plan
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, cleansable and symptom-free are usually best left alone. Removing healthy teeth exposes you to surgical risk for no benefit.
The procedure
- Assessment and X-ray. We look at the position of the roots and their relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve and, for upper teeth, the sinus.
- Consent. We explain the specific risks for your case, including swelling, bruising, infection, dry socket and altered sensation, before you agree.
- Anaesthetic, with time allowed for it to take full effect.
- Removal. Straightforward teeth are elevated out. Impacted teeth are approached surgically, with the tooth sectioned so it comes out through a small opening.
- Closure. Sutures where needed, pressure to settle the bleeding, and written aftercare.
Recovery
- Swelling peaks around day two and then improves; an ice pack on the cheek in the first 24 hours helps.
- Jaw stiffness for several days is normal after a lower surgical extraction.
- Soft food, and keep hydrated.
- No smoking, no rinsing and no strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
- Warm salt water rinses from day two, especially after eating.
- Painkillers as directed on the packet; contact us if pain increases after day three.
Risks we will discuss with you
The main specific risk with lower wisdom teeth is temporary or, rarely, permanent altered sensation in the lip, chin or tongue where the roots lie close to a nerve. Dry socket is more common after lower extractions and much more common in smokers. Upper wisdom teeth occasionally involve a communication with the sinus. We assess these risks from the X-ray, tell you which apply to you, and will refer on where a case is better managed in a specialist or hospital setting.
Wisdom teeth — your questions answered
Does everyone need their wisdom teeth out?
No. Current guidance is against removing healthy, symptom-free wisdom teeth. Removal is for teeth causing problems or clearly heading that way.
Is it done under general anaesthetic?
Most wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthetic in the chair. Complex cases can be referred for sedation or general anaesthetic.
How long is the recovery?
Expect two to three days of swelling and stiffness after a surgical removal, improving over the following week. Simple upper extractions often cause very little.
Can all four be done at once?
Sometimes, but many people prefer one side at a time so they can still eat comfortably. We will advise based on your case.
Will my teeth become crowded if I keep them?
The evidence that wisdom teeth cause crowding of the front teeth is weak. Crowding is not on its own a reason to remove them.
I am in pain now — can I be seen tonight?
Yes. Call 0113 819 7865; we treat wisdom tooth infections 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Get your wisdom teeth assessed properly
A £24 consultation includes an examination and the X-ray needed to advise you sensibly. Evening appointments seven days a week.
