Wisdom teeth are the final adult molars to develop, usually appearing during the late teens or early adulthood. While some wisdom teeth come through normally and never cause problems, others can become impacted, painful or infected when there isn't enough space for them to fully erupt.


At West Grove Dental, we provide wisdom tooth assessment and removal in Cardiff, including surgical wisdom tooth extractions where required. Our experienced team will assess your wisdom teeth and recommend removal only when it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth & When Removal May Be Needed.

An impacted wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge or grows at an angle because there isn't enough space. This can make the area difficult to clean and increase the risk of inflammation, decay, gum problems and infection.

Symptoms can include pain at the back of the mouth, swollen or bleeding gums, jaw or facial swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, an unpleasant taste or recurring infections and abscesses.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Healthy wisdom teeth that aren't causing problems can often simply be monitored. Extraction may be recommended for persistent pain, repeated infections, decay or damage to surrounding teeth.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Before treatment, your dentist or oral surgeon will assess your wisdom tooth and may take an X-ray to understand its position. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the extraction, although you may notice some pressure or movement.

Straightforward wisdom teeth can often be removed similarly to other teeth. If a tooth is impacted or positioned beneath the gum, a surgical wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary. This can involve making a small opening in the gum and, where required, removing a small amount of bone or dividing the tooth into sections to remove it safely.

For suitable patients who experience dental anxiety or dental phobia, conscious sedation may also be available to help you feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment.

Recovery, Aftercare & Possible Complications.

Some discomfort, swelling and tenderness are normal after wisdom tooth removal and should gradually improve as the area heals. We'll provide personalised aftercare advice covering pain relief, eating, oral hygiene and looking after the extraction site.

Most wisdom tooth extractions heal without significant problems, although complications can occasionally include dry socket, infection, prolonged bleeding or delayed healing. With some lower wisdom teeth, nearby nerves can also be affected, which can cause temporary and, more rarely, permanent changes in sensation. Any risks relevant to your treatment will be discussed with you beforehand.

Contact us if you experience severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, persistent bleeding, fever, pus or discharge, or if your symptoms are getting worse rather than improving. Severe swelling affecting your breathing or ability to swallow requires urgent medical attention.

Book a Wisdom Tooth Assessment in Cardiff.

If you have a painful, impacted or troublesome wisdom tooth, our experienced team can assess the problem and explain your treatment options. We provide straightforward and surgical wisdom tooth removal in Cardiff, with sedation options available for suitable nervous or anxious patients.

Contact our friendly team today on 02920453346 to arrange your wisdom tooth assessment and find out the most appropriate next step for you.

Specialist oral surgery care.

At West Grove Dental, your wisdom tooth treatment can be carried out by Dr Ben Omovie, a GDC-registered Specialist in Oral Surgery. Ben has extensive experience assessing and removing wisdom teeth, including impacted wisdom teeth and more complex surgical extractions.



His specialist training and experience allow more complex wisdom tooth cases to be treated within the familiar surroundings of our Cardiff dental practice. Ben is known for his calm, caring and reassuring approach, taking time to explain your treatment, answer your questions and ensure you understand what to expect.


Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Removal.

  • 1. Can I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

    Yes, but softer foods are usually recommended while the extraction site begins to heal. Avoid very hot, hard or crunchy foods initially, and try not to chew directly over the extraction area. You'll receive specific eating and aftercare advice following your treatment.


  • 2. Can I drive after having a wisdom tooth removed?

    If your wisdom tooth is removed using local anaesthetic alone, you may be able to drive afterwards, provided you feel well enough and your dentist has not advised otherwise. You must not drive after conscious sedation, and you'll need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and follow the instructions provided by our team.


  • 3. How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Cardiff?

    The cost of wisdom tooth removal depends on the complexity of the extraction and whether a straightforward or surgical procedure is required. Following your assessment, we'll explain the recommended treatment and provide a clear breakdown of the costs before you decide to proceed.

  • 4. Can I go back to work after wisdom tooth removal?

    This depends on the complexity of your extraction and the type of work you do. Some patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities relatively quickly, while others may prefer to allow a few days for swelling and discomfort to settle, particularly following a surgical extraction.


  • 5. Can I have more than one wisdom tooth removed at the same time?

    In some cases, multiple wisdom teeth can be removed during the same appointment. Whether this is appropriate will depend on the position and complexity of the teeth, your oral health and your individual circumstances. Your dentist or oral surgery specialist will discuss the most appropriate approach with you when planning your treatment.

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