Wisdom Tooth Removal in Gravesend: When It Is Necessary and What to Expect at Valley Drive Dental

Wisdom teeth have a reputation for causing trouble, and for many people the thought of having one taken out is worrying. The reassuring truth is that not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, and when one does, the procedure is routine, well understood and usually far more comfortable than people expect.

At Valley Drive Dental in Gravesend, we have cared for patients across Kent since 1988. This guide explains when wisdom tooth removal is genuinely necessary, what happens during the procedure, how to recover well and how to book with our team.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to come through, usually between the late teens and mid-twenties. Most people have up to four, one in each back corner of the mouth. Some people have fewer, and some never develop any.

The problem is space. By the time wisdom teeth try to emerge, the rest of the jaw is often already full. A wisdom tooth may then grow at an angle, come through only partly or stay trapped beneath the gum. A tooth in this position is called impacted, and impacted teeth are the most common reason for removal.

Signs you may need a wisdom tooth removed

Some wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular check-ups and X-rays matter. Book an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Pain, aching or tenderness at the back of the mouth or along the jaw
• Swollen, red or bleeding gums around a back tooth
• A bad taste or persistent bad breath
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or pain when chewing
• Food repeatedly trapped around a partly erupted tooth
• Swollen glands in the neck, or a general feeling of being unwell with gum pain
• Pressure or damage affecting the tooth in front

When removal is necessary, and when it is not

Current clinical guidance is that healthy wisdom teeth should not be removed just in case. Removal is recommended when there is a clear problem. Your dentist will examine the area, usually take an X-ray and talk through whether extraction is the right choice for you.

Wisdom teeth that are uncomfortable but not yet seriously diseased are a common reason for people to ask about extraction. Your dentist will give you honest advice about whether to act now or keep an eye on the tooth.

What happens during wisdom tooth removal

1. Consultation and X-ray. We assess the position of the tooth, its roots and its relationship to nearby structures, and explain your options and risks.
2. Consent and planning. You will receive a clear explanation and a written cost before treatment. Questions are always welcome.
3. Numbing the area. A local anaesthetic is placed so the area is fully numb. Sedation can be arranged if you would like extra reassurance.
4. Removing the tooth. Straightforward teeth can often be removed in minutes. If a tooth is impacted, the dentist may need to make a small opening in the gum and sometimes divide the tooth into sections to take it out gently.
5. Closing and protecting. The area is cleaned and, if needed, closed with a few dissolvable stitches. You bite on gauze to help a clot form.
6. Aftercare instructions. Before you leave, we go through written advice and give you a number to call if you have any worries.

You will feel pressure and movement while the tooth is removed, but should not feel pain. If you do, tell your dentist straight away and they will top up the anaesthetic. A small number of complex cases may be best treated by an oral surgery specialist, and we will refer you if that is the safest option.

Recovery: what to expect, day by day

Tips for a smoother recovery

• Do not use a straw, as suction can disturb the blood clot.
• Avoid smoking and vaping, which slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first night or two.
• If the socket bleeds, bite firmly on clean damp gauze for 20 minutes.
• Take pain relief as directed by your dentist or pharmacist.

Possible complications

Wisdom tooth removal is very common and generally safe, but like any procedure it has risks. Your dentist will explain them to you before you decide.

• Dry socket. If the clot is lost, pain can increase a few days after the extraction. It is treatable, so call us.
• Infection. Signs include worsening pain, a bad taste, fever or swelling. Early treatment is important.
• Swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness. These are normal and settle with time.
• Altered sensation. Lower wisdom teeth sit close to nerves in the jaw. Temporary numbness or tingling of the lip, chin or tongue can occur, and rarely it can be longer lasting. This risk is assessed on your X-ray.
• Sinus involvement. Upper wisdom teeth can sit close to the sinus, which your dentist will take into account.

Nervous about wisdom tooth removal?

Dental anxiety is very common, and it should never stop you from getting the care you need. Our team explains each step in plain language, works at your pace and makes sure you are comfortable. For patients who need more support, our sedation dentistry service offers a calm option, supported by a dentist with over 22 years of IV sedation experience.

Why choose Valley Drive Dental in Gravesend?

• Serving Kent since 1988. Over 35 years of looking after local families.
• NHS and private care. Clinically necessary extractions can be provided on the NHS, and private options are available.
• GDC-registered, CQC-regulated. You can be confident in the safety and standard of your care.
• Everything in one place. Assessment, X-rays, treatment and aftercare at the same practice, with replacement options such as dental implants or restorative treatment if ever needed.
• Clear pricing. You will always know the cost before treatment. See our fees page.
• Local to you. We welcome patients from Gravesend, Northfleet, Swanscombe, Dartford and across Kent.

You can meet our clinicians on the Meet the Team page.

Frequently asked questions