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London City Smiles

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Gentle, expert care you can trust for impacted, painful or problematic wisdom teeth

Wisdom tooth removal from £400

Wisdom Tooth Removal
In Islington, North London

At London City Smiles in Islington, our experienced dental team specialises in gentle, safe wisdom tooth removal, handling everything from straightforward eruptions to complex surgical extractions.

Using advanced digital imaging and minimally invasive techniques, we plan every procedure carefully so you get the best possible outcome with minimal discomfort.

Choose London City Smiles and benefit from:

Our tooth extraction prices

Treatment Cost (from) Members Finance
Wisdom tooth removal consultation
£0
£0
Wisdom tooth extraction
£400
£360
Socket preservation
£495
£446

For more information, please give us a call on 020 7837 2300, and one of our receptionist team will be happy to assist you.

Book an appointment​

Emergency Dental Care – Seen Within 24 Hours* Open every other Saturday.

Meet our experienced wisdom tooth removal team

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last teeth to emerge, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults develop four wisdom teeth, one at each corner of the mouth. Because they arrive so late in life, there is often insufficient space in the jaw for them to come through correctly.

When there isn’t enough room, wisdom teeth can become impacted: they remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line. This can cause a range of problems, from dull background pain to acute infections and damage to adjacent teeth.

When does a wisdom tooth need to be removed?

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. We will always assess your individual situation and only recommend removal when it is genuinely in your best interest. Common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction include:

  • Impaction: the tooth is trapped under the gum or pushing against the next tooth
  • Recurrent infection or swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth (pericoronitis)
  • Tooth decay in the wisdom tooth that is difficult to restore due to its position
  • Damage to an adjacent molar caused by the wisdom tooth
  • Persistent pain or discomfort that does not resolve
  • Cyst formation around an unerupted wisdom tooth
  • Orthodontic treatment requiring additional space

 

If your wisdom teeth are growing straight, fully erupted, and causing no issues, we may recommend monitoring them at regular check-ups rather than removing them immediately.

Types of wisdom tooth extraction

Simple extraction
If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted through the gum and has a straightforward root structure, it can often be removed with a simple extraction under local anaesthetic, similar to any other tooth removal. This is a quick procedure with a straightforward recovery.

Surgical extraction
Most wisdom teeth require surgical removal. This involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth, which may need to be divided into sections before removal. This technique allows us to extract the tooth with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, and sedation is available for nervous patients or where additional comfort is needed.

What to expect: the wisdom tooth removal process

  1. Consultation & assessment — X-rays or a CBCT scan are taken to understand the tooth’s position, root shape, and proximity to nerves before any treatment begins
  2. Treatment planning — your dentist will explain exactly what the procedure involves, answer your questions, and confirm your sedation preferences
  3. Anaesthesia or sedation — the area is fully numbed; sedation is administered if chosen
  4. Tooth removal — the tooth is carefully loosened and removed, with surgical access created if needed; the site is cleaned and stitched if required
  5. Aftercare guidance — full written and verbal aftercare instructions are provided before you leave; a follow-up appointment is arranged if needed

Recovery and aftercare after wisdom tooth removal

Most patients recover within 7–14 days, though this varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. The first 48 hours are the most important for good healing. To support your recovery:

  • Bite gently on the gauze pad provided for 30–45 minutes to help the blood clot form
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) as directed
  • For the first few days, eat soft, cool foods, such as yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes 
  • Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking for at least 48–72 hours
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water from the day after the procedure to keep the socket clean
  • Avoid using a straw as the suction can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket
  • Brush your other teeth normally, but keep the extraction site clean carefully

 

Contact us immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain after day 3, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or prolonged bleeding. These may indicate dry socket or infection, both of which we can treat promptly.

Wisdom tooth removal FAQs

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Many people have wisdom teeth that come through without causing any problems. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, growing in the right direction, and not causing pain, decay, or crowding, they may not need to come out. We assess each case individually and only recommend extraction when it’s genuinely necessary.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself should not be painful. The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, so you will feel pressure and movement but not pain. Sedation is available if you’re nervous or if it’s a complex surgical case. Afterwards, some soreness and swelling is normal for a few days, and this is well managed with standard pain relief.
How long does a wisdom tooth extraction take?
A simple wisdom tooth extraction typically takes 20–40 minutes. A surgical extraction, particularly for a deeply impacted tooth, may take 45–60 minutes or more. We will give you a clear estimate of the time involved during your consultation.
How long will the recovery take?
Most patients feel back to normal within 7–14 days. The first 48 hours tend to involve the most swelling and discomfort, which gradually improves. We’ll give you clear aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery, and you can contact us at any time if you have concerns.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully emerge because there isn’t enough space, or because it is growing at an angle. It may be partially visible through the gum, or completely hidden beneath it. Impacted teeth are the most common reason for wisdom tooth removal, as they are prone to infection, decay, and crowding of adjacent teeth.
What is dry socket, and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction is dislodged or dissolves before the socket has healed, leaving the bone exposed. It is more common after wisdom tooth removal than other extractions and causes noticeable pain from around day 3 onwards. To reduce the risk: don’t smoke, avoid alcohol and straws, and follow your aftercare instructions carefully. If you develop dry socket, please contact us.
Can I eat before my wisdom tooth extraction?
If you’re having the procedure under local anaesthetic only, you can eat and drink normally beforehand. If you’re having intravenous sedation, you will need to fast for a period beforehand. We will confirm the specific requirements at your consultation.
Will I be able to drive after wisdom tooth removal?
If you have local anaesthetic only, you should be fine to drive once the numbness has worn off and you feel comfortable. However, if you have sedation, you must not drive for 24 hours afterwards: please arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you.
Can wisdom teeth grow back after removal?
No, once a wisdom tooth has been extracted, it will not grow back. There are very rare cases of extra (supernumerary) teeth, but this is unrelated to wisdom tooth removal. Once the socket has healed, the site is permanently clear.
Do you offer emergency wisdom tooth removal in Islington?
Yes. If you’re experiencing acute pain, swelling, or signs of infection from a wisdom tooth, please contact us as soon as possible. We offer same-day emergency appointments and can assess and treat urgent cases quickly. Call 020 7837 2300 or WhatsApp us for the fastest response.
What if I need my wisdom teeth removed but I'm very nervous?
We understand that wisdom tooth removal can feel daunting. We offer conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond, but most patients remember very little of the appointment. Our team has extensive experience with nervous patients and will support you at every step.

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