Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal for Muswell Hill Patients

Not every wisdom tooth ache is an emergency, but some signs need urgent care to prevent complications. Seek an emergency appointment if you have severe, ongoing pain not relieved by over the counter painkillers, noticeable swelling in your cheek, jaw or gums, or trouble opening your mouth or swallowing. A bad taste or smell can indicate infection such as pericoronitis and needs urgent assessment. If you have these symptoms in Muswell Hill, get a professional diagnosis. We reserve slots each day for urgent cases during office hours.

The visit begins with a thorough exam of the tooth and surrounding tissues, usually about 30 minutes. To see the tooth position and roots near important nerves, we take a 3D CBCT scan. This imaging is essential for planning a safe extraction. Next we share our findings, discuss whether extraction is needed, and outline the procedure. We provide a clear cost estimate before treatment. If extraction is the right step, we numb the area with local anaesthetic. The extraction itself takes about 20 to 60 minutes depending on complexity. We finish with detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

The first 2 to 3 days bring the most pain and swelling. Manage pain with ibuprofen or paracetamol, and apply an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Eat soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and smoothies. Do not smoke, do not drink through a straw, and avoid vigorous rinsing to prevent dislodging the blood clot and dry socket. Some bleeding is normal in the first 24 hours.

Pain and swelling should ease during days 4 to 7. You can reintroduce more solid foods as comfort allows. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water after meals, starting 24 hours after the procedure. Continue brushing your other teeth and avoid the extraction site. Most people can return to work or normal activities within 2 to 3 days, though more complex removals may take a week.

While complications are uncommon, contact us if pain or swelling worsens after day 3, if bleeding does not stop with pressure, if you have a high temperature, or a foul taste indicating infection. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these hours, go to A and E or call 111.

In some emergencies, immediate extraction is not the first step. If there is a significant infection, we may start with antibiotics to control it, making the subsequent extraction safer and more comfortable. In rare cases where the tooth roots are very close to a major nerve, a coronectomy may be considered to reduce nerve damage risk. If the problem is minor gum inflammation, intensive cleaning and better oral hygiene may resolve it without surgery.

As a private practice, NHS services are not offered. Private wisdom tooth extraction prices in London typically range from £400 to £600 for surgical removals, with the final price depending on the complexity. Your initial emergency consultation includes assessment and any necessary X-rays or 3D scans, and we will provide a full quote before treatment. There are no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please tell us if you have coverage to use.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, ask these questions: Is the extraction strictly necessary today or can antibiotics help first? What does the total cost cover, including consultation, scans, extraction, and follow-up appointments? What are the specific risks in my case based on the 3D scan? How much time should I plan off work for recovery? What are the signs of a complication like dry socket, and what is the plan if it happens?