Wisdom Tooth Extractions at Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth happens when there isn’t enough space for it to break through the gum properly. It can become twisted, tilted, or trapped in the jaw.

There are three types of impaction:

• Soft tissue impaction: The crown breaks through the bone, but part of it stays covered by gum.
• Partial bony impaction: Part of the tooth emerges, but some stays stuck in the jawbone.
• Complete bony impaction: The tooth remains fully enclosed in the jawbone.

Why Should You Remove an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria. This build-up leads to serious dental problems, including:

• Gum disease: Plaque toxins cause red, swollen, painful gums. Surrounding teeth and bone may also suffer.
• Tooth decay: Plaque breaks down tooth enamel, causing cavities that can spread to other teeth.
• Dental abscess: Bacterial infections lead to painful pockets of pus in your gums or wisdom teeth.
• Pericoronitis: Infection in the soft tissue around the tooth, often triggered by trapped plaque.
• Cellulitis: A bacterial infection spreading to the cheek, tongue, or throat.
• Cysts and benign growths: Impacted teeth can cause fluid-filled swellings or cysts if left untreated.

Signs of a Wisdom Tooth Infection

Book a dental appointment if you notice:

• Red, itchy gums near the wisdom tooth
• Swelling around the area
• Persistent pain
• Pus leaking from the gum
• Swollen, sore lymph glands under the jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Fever or feeling unwell

Early action prevents bigger problems. Don’t delay if you spot these symptoms.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

First, your dentist will examine your mouth and take an X-ray. This shows the exact position of your wisdom teeth and helps plan the extraction.

The method of removal depends on the type of impaction. For more complex cases, we may refer you to a specialist surgeon.

If your extraction is performed at Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic, we use a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area. You’ll only feel pressure, not pain.

Simple extractions may take a few minutes. More complicated ones can take 20 minutes or longer.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Referrals

We now offer an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service for complex wisdom tooth extractions. Dental colleagues and patients can both refer cases directly to us.

We aim to see failed extraction cases within 7 days of receiving a referral.

All our dentists are trained in wisdom tooth extractions. For complex cases, our oral surgeon, Dr. Vivek Giddani, handles referrals with expert care.

Contact Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic Today

If you’re experiencing pain or problems with your wisdom teeth, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Trust our skilled team to provide fast, effective care for wisdom tooth extractions in Tavistock and beyond.