Experienced Wisdom Tooth Removal in Finchley

You do not always need to remove wisdom teeth. This is often the best option when you have specific symptoms. Impaction means there is not enough room for proper growth. Seek an assessment if you have persistent pain at the back of your mouth, recurrent infections or swelling around the gum flap of a partially erupted tooth (pericoronitis), or cysts forming around the tooth. Many patients need removal when the pressure from an erupting tooth causes crowding and moves other teeth out of alignment. An early assessment at our Finchley practice helps decide between watchful waiting and removal.

Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety. First you have a 45 minute consultation, including a 3D CBCT scan. This imaging shows the exact position of the tooth, its roots, and its proximity to nearby nerves, which is essential for safe removal. On the day of the procedure we numb the area with local anaesthetic; you will feel pressure but not pain. The extraction lasts about 30 to 60 minutes depending on complexity. A simple extraction loosens the tooth; a surgical extraction may require a small gum incision and sectioning the tooth for easier removal. After that the area is cleaned and we place dissolvable stitches if needed. We provide full aftercare instructions before you go home.

Your recovery is an important part of the treatment. For the first 24 hours rest and avoid strenuous activity. Some minor bleeding is normal; bite gently on a gauze pad to manage it. Swelling and bruising are common and typically peak around 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Use an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to help. Stick to a soft food diet like soup, yogurt, and smoothies for the first few days. Manage discomfort with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Case Example 1: A 24-year-old from North Finchley had an impacted lower wisdom tooth causing infections. The 3D scan showed it was near a nerve. We planned a careful surgical removal which took 45 minutes. He followed aftercare advice closely and was back to work with minimal discomfort within three days. Red flags—call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): severe, throbbing pain not helped by painkillers, excessive bleeding that won’t stop, or a fever above 38°C. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

Though extraction is often required, other options exist. In cases of pericoronitis where the tooth is healthy and likely to erupt fully, an operculectomy might be possible. This minor procedure removes the small flap of gum tissue covering the tooth to make cleaning easier and prevent further infection. For teeth that are impacted but show no symptoms, a period of watchful waiting may be suggested. This involves regular X-rays to ensure no cysts or damage to nearby teeth occur. However, this approach carries a risk of problems developing later when recovery from surgery is slower. We discuss these options with you based on your clinical situation.

We keep pricing clear and upfront with no surprises. The cost depends on how complex the extraction is. A straightforward wisdom tooth removal starts from £350. For impacted teeth requiring surgical extraction, prices start from £550. This includes the local anaesthetic and any necessary follow-up appointments. The initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan are quoted separately. After assessment you will receive a detailed, all-inclusive treatment plan and cost breakdown. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services but we do accept dental plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Case Example 2: A patient from East Finchley had two upper wisdom teeth fully erupted but hard to clean. Both were removed in a single 40 minute appointment. The total cost was £700, and she was able to resume daily activities the next day with mild soreness.

To make an informed choice, here are important questions to ask any provider in Finchley. First ask about their experience with surgical extractions specifically. How many do they perform each year? Request a full cost breakdown—does the price include the consultation, X-rays, and any follow-up visits? It is also good to ask what happens if complications arise after hours. You should also inquire about the recovery process and how much time you should realistically book off work. Finally ask why removal is recommended over monitoring so you understand the clinical reasons for their advice.