Wisdom Tooth Emergency LondonSame-Day Care & Extraction
Wisdom tooth causing severe pain or swelling? Whether it is pericoronitis, an impacted tooth, or a wisdom tooth abscess, our emergency dentists in London can assess and begin treatment — often on the same day. We offer simple and surgical extractions 7 days a week.
Emergency Wisdom Tooth Assessment
New patient offer (usual £95)
- Clinical examination of the wisdom tooth
- X-rays £20 (£10 members) if needed
- Assessment of impaction and infection
- Clear treatment plan with costs
Or call: 020 7183 2362
Wisdom Tooth Problems? Our London Emergency Dentists Can Help
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the last teeth to develop. Because modern jaws are often too small to accommodate them, wisdom teeth frequently become impacted or only partially emerge — creating conditions that can lead to pain, infection, and damage to neighbouring teeth.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, our emergency dentists regularly manage wisdom tooth emergencies. We can carry out simple and surgical extractions in-clinic under local anaesthetic, and our team includes dentists experienced in complex wisdom tooth removal.
We are open 7 days a week, including late evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8pm, and weekends (Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm). Our clinic at 20 Old Brompton Road is directly next to South Kensington Tube Station.
Signs of a Wisdom Tooth Emergency
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend seeking prompt dental assessment.
Pain at the back of the jaw that may radiate to the ear
Swelling, redness, or tenderness of the gum behind the last molar
Difficulty opening the mouth fully (trismus)
Bad taste or unpleasant smell from the back of the mouth
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
Fever or feeling generally unwell
Common Wisdom Tooth Problems
Pericoronitis
CommonThe most common wisdom tooth emergency. When a wisdom tooth only partially emerges through the gum, the flap of gum tissue over it (operculum) can trap food and bacteria, causing a painful infection. This can recur and may worsen with each episode.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
ModerateWhen there is insufficient space in the jaw, a wisdom tooth may grow at an angle — pushing into the adjacent tooth, into the cheek, or remaining trapped (impacted) within the jawbone. This can cause pressure pain and may damage the neighbouring tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Decay
ModerateWisdom teeth at the very back of the mouth can be difficult to clean properly, making them more susceptible to decay. Because of their position, filling a wisdom tooth may not always be practical, and extraction is often recommended.
Wisdom Tooth Abscess
UrgentIf decay or gum infection around a wisdom tooth progresses, an abscess may form. This can cause severe pain, significant swelling, and may spread to surrounding tissues if not treated promptly.
How We Treat Wisdom Tooth Emergencies
Antibiotics & Pain Management
For acute infection with swelling, we may prescribe antibiotics alongside treatment, and provide advice on managing pain effectively at home. This can help settle the acute infection before definitive treatment.
Operculectomy
For recurrent pericoronitis, removing the flap of gum tissue that covers the partially erupted wisdom tooth can help eliminate the trap for bacteria and food debris.
Simple Extraction
If the wisdom tooth has fully or mostly erupted and needs to be removed, a simple extraction can often be performed under local anaesthetic. The tooth is gently loosened and removed.
Surgical Extraction
For impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, a minor surgical procedure may be needed. This involves carefully raising the gum tissue and sometimes removing a small amount of bone to access and remove the tooth.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
These measures may help manage symptoms while you wait for your appointment.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day, particularly after eating.
- Take anti-inflammatory pain relief such as Ibuprofen (if suitable for you) — this may help with both pain and swelling.
- Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash (available from pharmacies) to help control bacteria in the area.
- Try to keep the area clean with a small-headed toothbrush, brushing gently around the wisdom tooth.
- Avoid very hot foods which may worsen inflammation — opt for softer, cooler foods.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling.
Seek A&E if: You experience severe facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever, or the swelling is affecting your ability to open your mouth or eye. These may indicate a spreading infection.
Wisdom Tooth Treatment Costs in London
Transparent pricing. Complexity determines the final cost — we provide a clear breakdown after assessment.
| Treatment | Member* | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assessment (New Patient Offer) | £30 | £95 |
| Dental Examination | £47.50 | £95 |
| Digital X-Ray / OPG | £10–£50 | £20–£100 |
| Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction | from £125 | from £250 |
| Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction | from £225 | from £450 |
| Complex / Impacted Extraction | from £425 | from £850 |
Wisdom Tooth FAQs
Wisdom Tooth Pain? Get Help Today
Same-day wisdom tooth assessment and extraction available 7 days a week.
If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or spreading facial swelling, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
