- 020 8656 6959
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm. Saturdays by request only. Sunday: Closed.
Croydon Dental Practice · Oral surgery
Sore, swollen or repeatedly infected wisdom teeth? We assess them with an examination and digital X-rays, explain whether removal is actually needed, and carry out routine extractions under local anaesthetic at our dentist in Croydon on Lower Addiscombe Road.
No. Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth, and they usually appear between the late teens and mid-twenties. Many wisdom teeth come through fully and never cause trouble. In line with NICE guidance, we do not remove healthy wisdom teeth just because they are there.
Problems tend to start when there is not enough room. A tooth may come through only partly, sit at an angle against the tooth in front, or stay trapped under the gum. These are called impacted wisdom teeth. Food and bacteria can collect under the flap of gum over a part-erupted tooth, leading to a painful infection called pericoronitis, and the tooth in front can decay where the two meet.
If you notice any of these at the back of your mouth, book an assessment rather than waiting for it to settle on its own.
Aching, throbbing or tender gum at the back of the jaw, sometimes spreading to the ear or the side of the face.
Pericoronitis that keeps coming back, often with a bad taste, bad breath or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
A wisdom tooth, or the molar next to it, with a hole that cannot be reasonably repaired or kept clean.
Gum disease or food trapping between the wisdom tooth and its neighbour that you cannot clean properly.
Swelling of the face or jaw needs prompt attention. If it affects breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to A&E.
Every case starts with an assessment, so you know what is going on and what your choices are before anything is done.
Many upper wisdom teeth, and lower ones that have come through fully, are routine extractions we can carry out at the practice. Some teeth are more difficult: deeply buried teeth, teeth lying on their side, or roots that sit very close to the nerve in the lower jaw. If your X-rays show a more complex situation, we will tell you honestly and may refer you to a hospital oral surgery department or another oral surgery service with the right facilities.
We do not offer sedation. Treatment at our Croydon practice is carried out with local anaesthetic only. If you are very anxious and feel you could not manage an extraction awake, tell us at the assessment. We can talk through how we help on our nervous patients page, or discuss a referral to a service that provides sedation.
Looking after the socket helps it heal. We give you this advice in writing too.
Do not rinse, spit forcefully, drink through a straw or do strenuous exercise. Avoid hot drinks until the numbness wears off so you do not burn yourself.
Some oozing is normal. If it bleeds, fold clean gauze or a clean cotton handkerchief, place it over the socket and bite firmly for 20 to 30 minutes.
Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable for you, following the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Rinse gently with warm salty water after meals for several days. Keep brushing your other teeth, taking care around the socket.
Choose soft food and chew on the other side for a few days. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Avoid smoking or vaping for as long as you can, at least 48 hours. It raises the risk of a dry socket and slows healing.
All extractions carry some risk, and we discuss the ones that apply to your tooth before you agree to treatment. Common effects include swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness and tenderness for several days. Less commonly, the socket becomes infected, a small piece of root is left behind, or the neighbouring tooth or a filling is damaged. With lower wisdom teeth there is a small risk of injury to the nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin or tongue, causing tingling or numbness. This usually recovers, but in rare cases it can be long-lasting, which is one reason complex cases may be referred.
A dry socket happens when the blood clot breaks down or is lost before the socket heals. It typically shows up two to four days after the extraction as pain that gets worse rather than better, often spreading towards the ear, with an unpleasant taste or smell. It is more likely after lower wisdom teeth and in people who smoke. It is not usually dangerous, but it is uncomfortable. Call us and we can clean the socket and place a soothing dressing.
Ring 020 8656 6959 if bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure on gauze, if pain or swelling is getting worse after the third day, if you have a high temperature or feel unwell, or if numbness has not worn off by the next day. If we are closed, call NHS 111. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
Prices are starting rates. Your dentist confirms the cost for your tooth after the assessment, before any treatment.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| New patient examination with X-rays | £65 |
| Emergency appointment (pain or swelling) | £65 |
| Routine extraction | From £110 |
| Complex extraction | Priced after assessment, or referral |
| NHS treatment (when NHS places are available) | Band 2: £76.60 |
See our full price list. NHS availability changes, so please call to check. Under-18s receive free NHS dental care. You can also read about general tooth extraction in Croydon.
Croydon Dental Practice is at 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7AB. Addiscombe tram stop is a short walk away and East Croydon station is nearby, so it is easy to reach from across the borough. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday appointments are by request and we are closed on Sunday.
Removal of other teeth that cannot be saved, with aftercare advice.
Urgent appointments for pain, swelling or infection, often on the same day.
How we help anxious patients feel more in control during treatment.
Options for replacing a missing tooth, if a molar further forward is lost.
A routine extraction at our practice starts from £110. Complex cases are assessed first and priced individually or referred. NHS patients pay the Band 2 charge of £76.60 when NHS places are available.
No. We do not offer sedation. Extractions are carried out with local anaesthetic. If you feel you need sedation, tell us and we can discuss a referral.
Not always. Many wisdom teeth can be removed here. If X-rays show the tooth is deeply buried or close to the nerve, we may refer you to a hospital or oral surgery service.
Most people feel noticeably better within a few days, though swelling and stiffness can last up to a week or so. The gum continues to heal over the following weeks.
Many people return to desk work the next day, but it depends on the tooth and how you feel. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.
It is when the clot in the socket breaks down, causing worsening pain a few days later. Avoid smoking, rinsing for 24 hours and drinking through straws, and call us if pain increases.
Book a wisdom tooth assessment with X-rays, or call early if you are in pain. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30.
