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Oral Surgery & Wisdom Teeth Extractions

We understand that oral surgery can feel daunting. That’s why we provide compassionate, state-of-the-art treatment right here in Bermondsey. Whether you require minor extractions or more complex wisdom tooth removal, our experienced team ensures a safe, comfortable experience.

What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery ranges from simple extractions—when the tooth is fully erupted—to surgical procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, which may involve incisions, bone reshaping, or sectioning of teeth.

Why you might need it:

  • Severely decayed or damaged teeth

  • Orthodontic preparation or overcrowding

  • Painful wisdom teeth or frequent gum infections (pericoronitis)

Some wisdom teeth never fully emerge, often due to limited jaw space, leading to cysts or pressure on neighbouring teeth.

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Wisdom Teeth Extractions: Step-by-Step

Pre-Planning & Assessment

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. We’ll take a detailed medical history and assess your mouth using:

  • Clinical examination

  • Digital X-rays or 3D scans (if needed) to evaluate root positioning and proximity to nerves or sinuses

  • Discussion of symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or likely to cause issues in the future, we’ll recommend the safest extraction method.

Treatment Planning & Options

Based on your case, we’ll create a tailored plan. This includes:

  • Type of extraction: simple or surgical

  • Anaesthesia or sedation options

  • Whether a coronectomy is advisable (if roots are close to nerves)

  • Post-operative care plan and time off needed

We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and ensure you’re fully informed.

Day of the Procedure

  • You’ll arrive at the clinic having followed any pre-op instructions 

  • The area is numbed fully with local anaesthetic.

  • If needed, we may make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth.

  • Bone around the tooth may be gently removed and the tooth sectioned for easier extraction.

  • Once removed, the area is cleaned, and dissolvable stitches may be placed.

Most extractions take 30–60 minutes depending on complexity.

Immediate Recovery & Aftercare

After your procedure:

  • You’ll be given gauze to bite on to control bleeding.

  • We’ll go over your post-op instructions: what to eat, how to manage swelling, when to take pain relief.

  • You’ll be monitored briefly and then discharged safely.

  • A written aftercare guide will be provided, including what symptoms are normal and when to contact us.

Healing & Follow-Up

  • Swelling peaks within 48–72 hours and begins to subside after that.

  • Stitches (if placed) dissolve within 7–10 days.

  • Most patients return to work or school in 2–4 days.

  • We may schedule a follow-up visit or phone check-in, depending on your case.

Our team is always available to support you during healing. If you experience unusual pain, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection, we’ll see you promptly.

What to Expect After Surgery

Immediate care (first 48 hrs):

  • Expect mild bleeding, swelling (peaking around day 3), bruising, and jaw stiffness 

  • Soothing tips:

    • Ice packs for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses 

    • Gentle salt-water rinses after 24 hrs 

    • Soft, nourishing foods like smoothies, soups, yoghurts—avoid seeds, rice, nuts 

Typical recovery timeline:

  • Jaw stiffness, muscle soreness, or mild jaw ache may persist 1–2 weeks; jaw-stretch exercises may be advised 

  • A small oral “hole” fills in over 4–6 weeks. Vigilant hygiene over sockets reduces infection and prevents dry socket 

  • Follow-up ensures healing, drains stitches (if placed), and early detection of complications.

FURTHER PRICING INFORMATION

Complications & How We Minimise Them

Dry socket, infection, or bleeding: controlled by clear post-op instructions and, when needed, collagen plugs or preventive antibiotics.

Nerve irritation: especially in lower wisdom teeth. Using 3D planning and coronectomy when necessary reduces risk to less than 2–3% .

Sinus exposure: rare during upper wisdom removal (<1%) and immediately managed if it occurs .

Your oral surgery services Bermondsey, London

Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:

  • Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)

  • Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)

We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.

We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services including our well-proportioned bathroom.

We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!

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Take the First Step Toward a Healthier, More Comfortable Smile

Discover how expert oral surgery and wisdom tooth care can relieve pain, protect your future oral health, and restore peace of mind.

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FAQs

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Removal is usually advised if they cause symptoms or complications such as pain, infection (pericoronitis), cysts, decay, gum disease, or damage to adjacent teeth. Even asymptomatic wisdom teeth may be considered for removal if they’re partially erupted, difficult to clean, or likely to cause issues later.

What techniques are used during extraction?

  • Simple extraction is used for fully erupted teeth—usually painless and quick.

  • Surgical extraction involves gum flap, bone removal, and possibly sectioning the tooth—common with impacted wisdom teeth; dissolvable stitches are often placed.

  • Coronectomy may be considered if roots are close to the inferior alveolar nerve: only the crown is removed to reduce nerve injury risk

What should I expect during recovery?

Timeline:

  • 0–2 days: Blood clot formation, swelling peaks, manage with ice packs and elevation.

  • 2–7 days: Swelling begins to subside; soft diet continues; pain and stiffness may persist.

  • 7–14 days: Most swelling/bruise resolves; normal activities often resume by day 3–5, but complete recovery takes up to two weeks .

  • 4–6 weeks: Bone and gums fully heal; full jaw movement restored.

What post-op care helps recovery?

  • Pain relief: Regular ibuprofen or paracetamol; a combination may be recommended .

  • Swelling: Use intermittent ice (first 24 hours), then warm compresses .

  • Bleeding control: Bite gently on damp gauze for 20 min—frequent if needed; saliva may remain blood‑tinged up to 8 hrs.

  • Oral hygiene: Avoid brushing near sockets initially; begin gentle salt‑water rinses ~24 hrs post-op.

  • Diet: Soft, lukewarm foods—like soups, yogurt, smoothies; avoid seeds, nuts, hard/crunchy items .

  • Rest & activity: Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 7 days to preserve the blood clot.

  • Smoking/alcohol: Should be avoided; both raise risk of dry socket and infection.

What are the possible complications?
  • Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): Occurs in ~2–5%; causes intense pain days after surgery due to clot loss.

  • Infection: Reduced by clean sockets, rinsing, and sometimes antibiotics; usage is guided by moderate evidence .

  • Nerve injury: Lingual nerve (≤0.5%) or inferior alveolar nerve (≤1%, but up to 9% in high-risk cases); most resolve in 18 months.

  • Sinus perforation (upper teeth): Rare (<1%), but managed immediately if it occurs .

  • Jaw fracture: Extremely rare (<1%) after lower wisdom removal.

Is coronectomy safe?

Yes—with careful case selection when roots are near the nerve. It preserves roots and significantly reduces nerve injury risk (~0.65% vs ~5% in full extraction) en.wikipedia.org. However, roots may migrate or require later removal in 5–15% of cases . Healing usually completes in a few days to a week, with bone filling over months

When can I return to normal life?

  • Work/school: Often in 3–5 days, depending on procedure complexity.

  • Exercise: Light activity after 1 week; avoid vigorous exercise for at least 7 days.

How do I choose between removal and monitoring?

If wisdom teeth are symptom-free and fully erupted, your dentist may recommend monitoring with regular X-rays. But many asymptomatic teeth (30–60%) eventually develop problems over time—especially after age 25 .

What should I ask my dentist or surgeon?

Before your procedure, it’s wise to clarify:

  • How many wisdom teeth will be extracted?

  • Which anaesthesia/sedation will be used—and why?

  • Expected duration of surgery and recovery timeline?

  • What are the specific risks in my case (e.g. nerve proximity or sinus involvement)

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© 2025 Agata Kijowska Ltd, trading as Calm Dental. Company Registration Number: 14309873.