Advanced Wisdom Teeth Removal in Finchley

Wisdom tooth removal is not always necessary, but it becomes essential when the teeth cause problems. You should seek treatment if you have symptoms such as recurring pain, swelling in the gums at the back of your mouth, or trouble opening your jaw. This often happens when a tooth is impacted, meaning it is stuck and cannot erupt properly, a condition that affects about a quarter of people. Another clear sign is pericoronitis, a painful infection of the gum flap over a partially erupted tooth. We also recommend a check if an impacted tooth is damaging adjacent teeth, causing decay, or crowding the nearby molar, which can lead to bigger issues later. If you notice any of these signs in Finchley, a consultation is the first step to relief.

First, you have a 60-minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan. The image shows the exact position of the tooth, its roots, and its relation to nerves, which supports careful planning for a safe procedure. On treatment day, the procedure lasts about 45 to 75 minutes. The area is numb with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain. For a surgical removal, we make a small gum incision to reach the tooth, and sometimes the tooth is cut into pieces for easier removal. After that, the site is cleaned and stitches, usually dissolvable, are placed to aid healing. We provide full aftercare instructions before you go home.

Your recovery is a priority, and knowing what to expect helps. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and discomfort, which you can manage with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Use ice packs on your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid hot drinks and alcohol. Most swelling and discomfort ease within 3 to 5 days. You can usually return to work or school after 2 to 3 days, but avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. A recent patient from North Finchley had a complex impacted tooth removed on a Thursday and felt well enough to return to lectures by Monday morning. If you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, a high fever, or pus from the socket, contact us during office hours at 0203 488 0335. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

Removal is often the best long term option, but alternatives exist for specific cases. For minor gum inflammation, a course of antibiotics plus thorough cleaning can resolve the infection and may be a temporary fix. An operculectomy, where only the gum flap covering the tooth is removed, can prevent food trapping if there is space for the tooth to erupt. If a wisdom tooth is asymptomatic and not causing harm, watchful waiting with regular x rays may be the sensible option. We discuss all suitable choices for your case.

The cost depends on how complex the case is. A simple extraction costs less than a full surgical removal of a deeply impacted tooth. Our pricing is transparent, and you will receive a complete, itemised quote at your first visit. The fee includes the 3D CBCT scan, the procedure under local anaesthetic, and any follow-up appointments. For example, a deeply impacted lower wisdom tooth case from Muswell Hill required tooth sectioning, which affected the final price. We operate as a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We accept several private plans, including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please let us know if you have cover to use.

To make an informed choice, here are important questions to ask any dentist in North London: Do you use a 3D CBCT scan to plan the removal and is it included in the cost? Based on my scan, what are the specific risks such as nerve damage? Will my extraction be simple or surgical, and how does that affect the price? What is your experience with teeth in a similar position? What type of stitches will you use and will I need to return to have them removed? What is included in the aftercare plan and who do I contact if I have a problem?