Check-up and Digital Imaging
A six-monthly examination: intraoral check, digital X-ray if needed and a written summary of the day. A record is kept even when nothing is found; the next check-up is compared against it.
DetailsWisdom teeth come through between 17 and 25 and most jaws have no room for them. A partly erupted tooth traps food under the gum and causes repeated infection; a tilted tooth pushes on the neighbouring molar or decays it. In those cases removal is advised; a wisdom tooth that causes no trouble and can be cleaned is left in place.
Assessment
A panoramic X-ray shows the position of the tooth and, in the lower jaw, its distance from the nerve canal. If the root is very close to the nerve, a 3D scan is ordered.
The procedure
Done under local anaesthetic. The tooth is removed through a small opening in the gum, in pieces if necessary; the area is closed with stitches. It usually takes 20–45 minutes.
Healing
Swelling peaks on day two or three and then settles. Stitches come out after a week. Keeping the blood clot in place is the key to healing; no spitting, rinsing or straws on the first day.
This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.
After treatment
For 24 hours do not spit, rinse or use a straw; keep your head raised. Cold, soft food and a cold pack on the cheek. Smoking in the first three days disturbs the clot. Stitches are removed after a week.
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a dental examination. Treatment decisions are made after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.