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Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers wisdom teeth removal costs, procedures, and recovery in the UK.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures in the UK, with around 500,000 extractions performed on the NHS every year. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know — from understanding when removal is necessary to navigating NHS and private costs, and what to expect during recovery.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) are the last teeth to emerge, located right at the back of your mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth — one in each corner — but some have fewer, and around 2% of people are born without any.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come Through?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, though they can appear later in your 20s or even 30s. By the time they try to emerge, your other 28 adult teeth are usually already in place, which often means there isn't enough room.
"Because there isn't always enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to grow properly, they can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted." — NHS, Wisdom Tooth Removal
Key fact: 90% of 20-year-olds have at least one wisdom tooth that hasn't fully emerged.
Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Common Symptoms of Problem Wisdom Teeth
Not all wisdom teeth cause problems, but impacted or partially emerged wisdom teeth can lead to:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain and swelling | Throbbing pain at the back of your mouth, swollen gums |
| Difficulty opening mouth | Jaw stiffness making it hard to open wide |
| Bad breath | Persistent bad taste or smell from trapped food and bacteria |
| Infection (pericoronitis) | Red, swollen gum tissue around the tooth, sometimes with pus |
| Damage to adjacent teeth | Wisdom teeth pushing against neighbouring molars |
Pericoronitis: The Most Common Problem
Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially emerged wisdom tooth. It's the most common reason wisdom teeth are removed.
"Approximately 81% of people in their 20s experience this condition at some time." — Colgate Oral Care, Pericoronitis Treatment
Symptoms of pericoronitis include:
- Swelling at the back of the mouth
- Bad taste in mouth
- Difficulty and pain when opening mouth
- Pus discharge from the area
- Sometimes fever and swollen lymph nodes
When to Seek Urgent Care
Contact NHS 111 or go to A&E if you have:
- Severe facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- High fever with dental symptoms
- Swelling spreading to your neck or under your jaw
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended?
NICE Guidelines: Only Remove When Necessary
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), healthy wisdom teeth should not be removed just because they're impacted.
"The practice of prophylactic removal of pathology-free impacted third molars should be discontinued in the NHS." — NICE, Guidance on the Extraction of Wisdom Teeth (TA1)
Removal is only recommended when there's evidence of disease, including:
- Tooth decay that cannot be filled
- Recurring infection (pericoronitis) — at least two episodes
- Abscess or severe infection
- Cysts or tumours
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Teeth blocking other dental treatment
Historical context: Before NICE guidelines, up to 44% of wisdom teeth removals may have been unnecessary prophylactic surgery.
When Removal Is NOT Needed
If your wisdom teeth are:
- Fully emerged and healthy
- Positioned correctly with healthy gum tissue
- Causing no pain or problems
- Not affecting neighbouring teeth
Then they typically just need monitoring during regular dental check-ups.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Where Is It Done?
Wisdom teeth can be removed by:
- Your regular dentist — for straightforward extractions
- A specialist oral surgeon — for complex cases or hospital referrals
Most extractions are performed in a dental chair under local anaesthetic and take up to 40 minutes.
Anaesthetic Options
| Type | Description | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic | Area numbed, you're fully awake | Most common option |
| Sedation | Relaxed and drowsy, but conscious | Anxious patients or difficult cases |
| General anaesthetic | Completely asleep | Rare — only for very complex cases or severe anxiety |
"General anaesthetic is rarely necessary for wisdom tooth removal. When it's needed, the wisdom tooth will be removed in hospital, although you should still be able to go home on the same day as the procedure." — NHS, Wisdom Tooth Removal
What Happens During the Procedure
- Anaesthetic administered — Local injection to numb the area
- Incision made — If the tooth is covered by gum
- Bone removal — Small amount of bone may be removed to access the tooth
- Tooth extracted — Removed whole or in sections
- Stitches placed — Dissolvable stitches close the wound (dissolve in 7-10 days)
Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs
NHS Costs in England (from April 2025)
| Service | NHS Band | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom teeth removal | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| All wisdom teeth in same course | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| If crown needed later | Band 3 | £326.70 |
Important: You only pay one band charge per course of treatment. If you have all four wisdom teeth removed in the same course of treatment, you still only pay £75.30.
NHS Costs Across the UK
| Country | System | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| England | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| Wales | Band 2 | £60.00 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost, capped | Max £384.88 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost, capped | Max £384.88 |
Scotland bonus: Dental examinations are free for everyone, and all treatment is free for under-26s.
Private Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs
Private costs vary significantly depending on complexity:
| Extraction Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction (fully emerged) | £225 - £500 per tooth |
| Complex extraction (impacted) | £550 - £1,550 per tooth |
| Consultation with specialist | £200 - £300 |
Factors affecting private cost:
- Upper teeth — Usually simpler, softer bone, lower cost
- Lower teeth — Denser bone, more likely impacted, higher cost
- Level of impaction — Deeply impacted teeth require more surgery
- Sedation — IV sedation adds to the total cost
- Location — London and the South East tend to be more expensive
"Wisdom teeth removal costs most people somewhere between £200 and £600 per tooth privately in the UK. The spread depends almost entirely on how awkward your particular teeth are." — UrgentCare Dental, Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost UK
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you're:
Age-Based
- Under 18 years old
- 18 and in full-time education (until end of school year)
Pregnancy and Maternity
- Pregnant (at time treatment starts)
- Had a baby in the last 12 months — need valid MatEx certificate
Benefits
- Receiving Income Support
- Receiving Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Receiving Universal Credit with earnings under £435/month (or £935 if your claim includes child element or limited capability for work)
Low Income Scheme
- Holding a valid HC2 certificate (full help)
- Holding a valid HC3 certificate (partial help)
"It's your own responsibility to check that you're entitled before claiming free dental treatment. If you claim free treatment that you're not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100." — NHS, Who Can Get Free NHS Dental Treatment
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
How Long Does Recovery Take?
- Simple extraction: Return to normal activities next day
- Complex extraction: 2-4 days before feeling significantly better
- Full healing: 1-2 weeks for most people
Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline
| Day | What to Expect | What to Eat |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Blood clot forming, some pain, possible numbness | Liquids only — broth, smoothies (no straws), yoghurt |
| Days 2-3 | Swelling peaks, jaw stiffness | Semi-soft foods — scrambled eggs, mashed potato, pasta |
| Days 4-7 | Swelling reducing, pain improving | Gradually introduce soft solids — soft bread, fish, rice |
| 7-10 days | Stitches dissolving, most can eat normally | Return to normal diet, avoid very hard or crunchy foods |
Aftercare: Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Take painkillers as directed (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Rest with head slightly elevated
- Eat soft, cool foods
- Gently rinse with warm salt water (after 24 hours)
- Keep the area clean
Don't:
- Don't rinse, spit, or use straws for 24 hours — can dislodge blood clot
- Don't smoke — significantly increases infection and dry socket risk
- Don't drink alcohol or very hot drinks
- Don't eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
- Don't drive for 24-48 hours if you had sedation
"Do not smoke – smoking can increase the risk of infection." — NHS, Wisdom Tooth Removal
Possible Complications
Common Post-Operative Symptoms (Normal)
These are expected and should improve within days:
- Pain and swelling (peaks around day 3)
- Bruising on cheeks
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Mild bleeding
Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot doesn't form properly or becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incidence | 2-5% of extractions, more common with lower wisdom teeth |
| When it happens | 3-5 days after extraction |
| Symptoms | Severe pain, bad taste, visible bone in socket |
| Risk factors | Smoking (3x higher risk), using straws, poor oral hygiene |
| Treatment | Dentist cleans socket and applies medicated dressing |
"People who smoke are over three times more likely to develop dry socket than those who don't." — Cleveland Clinic, Dry Socket
Nerve Damage
Two nerves run close to lower wisdom teeth:
- Inferior dental nerve — supplies feeling to lower lip, chin, and teeth
- Lingual nerve — supplies feeling and taste to tongue
Nerve damage symptoms include tingling or numbness. In most cases, this is temporary and recovers within weeks to months. Permanent changes are rare.
Infection
Signs of infection include:
- Fever and feeling unwell
- Increasing pain (not improving)
- Swelling getting worse after day 3-4
- Pus discharge
- Difficulty swallowing
If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly. Infections typically respond well to antibiotics.
When to Seek Help
Contact your dentist or NHS 111 if:
- Severe pain not controlled by painkillers
- Bleeding doesn't stop
- Swelling getting worse after 3-4 days
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, feeling unwell)
- Numbness persisting beyond expected timeframe
Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal
While there's no strict age limit, removal is generally easier between ages 17-25 because:
- Tooth roots are not fully formed
- Jawbone is softer and more flexible
- Faster healing in younger patients
- Lower risk of complications
"Removing wisdom teeth between ages 17–25 is generally recommended because the roots are not fully formed and the jawbone is softer and more flexible." — Bupa Dental Care, Wisdom Teeth Removal
Important note: The average age of wisdom teeth removal has increased from 25 to 32 years since NICE guidelines were introduced, as dentists now wait for actual problems rather than removing teeth preventatively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Many people have wisdom teeth that emerge normally and cause no problems. Removal is only recommended when wisdom teeth are causing disease or symptoms. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, properly positioned, and not affecting neighbouring teeth, they can simply be monitored during regular dental check-ups.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
The procedure typically takes up to 40 minutes per session. Simple extractions may be quicker, while complex impacted teeth take longer. Most people leave the same day after local anaesthetic.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
During the procedure, you'll feel pressure but not pain due to the local anaesthetic. Afterwards, expect discomfort for several days, managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The pain typically peaks around day 2-3 and then improves.
Can I go to work the next day?
For simple extractions, many people return to work the next day. For complex extractions or if you had sedation, you may need 2-3 days off. Avoid physically demanding work for at least 2-3 days.
Will I be put to sleep?
Usually not. Most wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthetic while you're fully awake. Sedation (where you're relaxed but conscious) is available for anxious patients. General anaesthetic (fully asleep) is rare and only used for very complex cases.
How much does it cost on the NHS?
Wisdom teeth removal falls under NHS Band 2, costing £75.30 in England (from April 2025). This covers all wisdom teeth removed in the same course of treatment. Many people qualify for free treatment — check the eligibility section above.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Day 1: Liquids only — broth, smoothies (eaten with spoon, no straws), yoghurt, applesauce Days 2-3: Soft foods — scrambled eggs, mashed potato, pasta, porridge Days 4-7: Gradually introduce more solid foods as comfort allows Avoid: Hard, crunchy, sticky foods and anything with small seeds or grains
How do I know if I have dry socket?
Dry socket typically develops 3-5 days after extraction and causes:
- Severe, worsening pain (not improving like normal recovery)
- Pain radiating to ear, eye, or neck
- Bad breath and unpleasant taste
- Visible bone in the socket (empty-looking hole)
If you suspect dry socket, contact your dentist — they can treat it with medicated dressings to relieve pain.
Key Takeaways
- Wisdom teeth don't always need removing — only when causing problems or disease
- NHS extraction costs £75.30 (Band 2) and covers all teeth in one course of treatment
- Private costs range from £225-£1,550 per tooth depending on complexity
- Check if you qualify for free treatment before your appointment
- Recovery takes 3-7 days for most people
- Don't smoke — it significantly increases complications
- Removal is easier between ages 17-25 but can be done at any age when needed
Need to find a dentist for wisdom teeth assessment? Use our dental practice finder to locate NHS and private dentists in your area.
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Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
