How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in the UK

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What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, often referred to as third molars by dentists, typically emerge at the back of your gums. These teeth generally grow in early twenties or later teens, and often come with persistent discomfort and throbbing pain. Wisdom teeth occur at each corner of the mouth, every individual usually having four wisdom teeth. When these teeth start emerging, your mouth is already filled with your original teeth – leaving no space for the growth of those wisdom teeth. This is why wisdom teeth may come out at strange angles. This results in abnormal growth of wisdom teeth; which are known as impacted teeth. Impacted teeth lead to excruciating pain and other dental complications which must be dealt without any delays.

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Why would you need your wisdom teeth removed?

If you have impacted wisdom teeth without experiencing any pain or disruption in normal activities like drinking, eating, etc, you do not require tooth extraction. You might face dental complications if your wisdom teeth have not completely broken through the gum. It leads to accumulation of bacteria and food around these teeth and results in plaque build-up. The presence of impacted wisdom teeth makes you more susceptible to gum problems like gingivitis, periodontal diseases, or tooth decay. These can lead to abscess, benign growths, cysts, and infections of the tongue, throat, or cheek. To treat these complications, you will need your wisdom teeth removed. Without tooth extraction, your oral health may decline; causing you to suffer discomfort, stress and pain. Bleeding and swollen gums, throbbing pain at the back of your mouth, headaches, swollen jaws, and swelling of the glands in the neck are all major signs which point to the possible need for wisdom tooth extraction.

How much is wisdom teeth removal in the UK?

The cost of wisdom tooth removal usually ranges between £550 and £950 in the UK. This treatment cost depends on a number of factors including the anatomy of the third molars, complexity of the surgery, presence of an infection, etc.

If you notice irregular eruption of your wisdom teeth and experience severe pain, you can book a dentist appointment. During this session, you will be able to get an estimate of the overall cost of wisdom tooth extraction in the UK, the procedure, and future implications of the treatment.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Type of extraction The degree of complexity of your wisdom tooth is a crucial factor determining the treatment cost. Simple extractions are usually less expensive as the tooth is completely erupted and can be accessed easily. On the other hand, impacted wisdom teeth require a complex surgical procedure, increasing the treatment cost.
Location and setting The treatment cost often depends on the location of the clinic. For instance, dental clinics in affluent areas and large cities generally charge more due to their higher operational costs. In addition, the clinical setting – whether it done in a hospital or a dental clinic – affects the cost as well.
Use of anaesthesia The treatment cost is again influenced by the type of anaesthesia used in the extraction process. While local anaesthesia is typically less costly, sedation or general anaesthesia often used in complex cases can increase the overall cost.
Expertise of dentist or oral surgeon The extraction cost witnesses a striking difference when performed by general dentist than that done by an oral surgeon. The qualification and expertise of the oral surgeons, however, make the higher cost for complex tooth extractions worth it.

Breakdown of Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost

Wisdom tooth removal costs vary across various segments. Have a sneak-peek into the following cost breakdown:

Simple Wisdom Tooth Removal When the tooth is accessible and can be erupted easily, the cost ranges between £250 and £350.
Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal For partially erupted or impacted teeth which need bone removal and gum cutting, the cost ranges around £600 - £700 or more. For anxious patients requesting IV sedation, you need to pay separate changes of about £100 to £300 or more, adding to the overall cost.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

Now that you are aware of the wisdom tooth removal cost in the UK, we can move on to the next step. Here’s take a look at the procedure of wisdom tooth extraction:

Anaesthesia A local anaesthetic will be applied to make your teeth and the surrounding areas numb before the surgery. General anaesthesia is not usually required for this treatment. Hospitals, sometimes, prefer performing this procedure under general anaesthesia for worried or anxious patients.
Surgery If the wisdom tooth has not erupted out of the gum, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to get access to it. The bone blocking the access to the dental root is then removed by the dental surgeon. The tooth is then cut into smaller parts, making it easier for surgeons to remove them from the incision. Once the tooth has erupted from the gum, the job becomes much easier as the surgeon does not need to make a very large incision. You might experience slight pressure during the extraction. After removal, the site is cleaned, the wound is stitched, and gauze is placed over the site of extraction to stop bleeding. If you experience even slight pain during the procedure, inform your dentist or oral surgeon at once so that they can increase the degree of your anaesthesia.
Post-surgery In case of an incision, the wound is sealed with dissolving stitches by the surgeon which generally disappear within 7 to 10 days. Once the gauze is placed, a little pressure is applied by biting your teeth together for about an hour. This results in blood clot formation in your tooth socket. If you notice any pain or infection over the coming dasy, some antibiotics will be provided to you. Following your surgery, you must avoid rinsing your mouth, drinking, smoking, or performing any strenuous activities for up to 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing consistent pain and discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, opting for a wisdom tooth removal may be the right choice for you. Tooth extraction serves as a permanent solution for your impacted wisdom teeth treatment. Remember that untreated wisdom teeth can result in tooth decay and cause damage to the soft tissues in your gums. In order to prevent such complications, you must discuss the major procedures involved with wisdom tooth extraction and their underlying costs. A clear idea of the costs associated with wisdom tooth extraction in the UK can help you plan your budget accordingly for the treatment to avoid any hidden costs or surprises later on. Whether you opt for the NHS or choose private dental care, knowing what to expect about the expenses can make your experience much less challenging. If you face discomfort or pain due to your wisdom teeth, get in touch with our expert dental professionals at MD.co.uk to discuss the best course of action for your wisdom teeth and the underlying costs. A well-informed approach will be your first step towards a healthy, pain-free, radiant smile.