Wisdom Tooth Extraction London | From £250 | South Kensington

If you are considering wisdom tooth extraction in London, understanding the procedure, the likely cost, and what to expect during recovery is an important first step. At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in South Kensington, our GDC-registered dentists carry out wisdom tooth removal under local anaesthetic in a private, CQC-regulated setting. Every case begins with a thorough clinical assessment to confirm whether removal is the most appropriate option for you.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost in London

Cost is often one of the first things patients want to understand when considering wisdom tooth removal — and rightly so. Fees vary depending on how the tooth is positioned and how accessible it is. A fully erupted upper wisdom tooth is generally more straightforward, while a tooth that is angled, partially erupted, or covered by bone typically requires a more involved surgical approach.

At our clinic, our extraction fees follow a transparent three-tier structure. Your dentist will explain which tier applies to your case after assessment and any necessary X-rays:

Extraction Type	Standard Fee	Member Fee (50% Off)
Simple Extraction Fully erupted, straightforward access	from £250	from £125
Complicated Extraction Partially erupted, curved roots, or restricted access	from £450	from £225
Surgical Extraction Bony impaction or tooth sectioning required	from £650	from £325
Consultation & Clinical Assessment	£95	£47.50
Periapical X-ray (if required)	£20	£10
Panoramic X-ray / OPG Referred to Dental Imaging Centre · charged separately	£60	£60

About imaging: Many wisdom tooth cases — particularly lower wisdom teeth — require a panoramic (OPG) X-ray to assess root anatomy and proximity to nearby structures. Where this is needed, we refer to a trusted local imaging centre. The £60 fee is paid directly to the imaging provider.

For a more detailed breakdown of what is included in each fee, NHS vs private comparison, and finance options, see our dedicated wisdom tooth extraction cost page. Our full treatment fee schedule is also available, and finance options are explained on our finance information page.

When Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Removed

Not every wisdom tooth needs removing. Many patients keep theirs for life without difficulty. National guidance — including from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — recommends that wisdom teeth should only be removed where there is a clear clinical reason to do so. Your dentist will discuss the findings of your assessment honestly and only recommend removal where it is in your interest.

Common situations where wisdom tooth removal may be considered include:

Note: The presence of one or more of these features does not automatically mean removal is needed. Each case is considered individually, with imaging and clinical findings reviewed before a recommendation is made.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Understanding what happens during a wisdom tooth extraction can help reduce uncertainty before your appointment. Our approach is calm, methodical, and paced to your comfort:

Anaesthesia and Sedation Policy

All wisdom tooth extractions at our clinic are carried out under local anaesthetic only. We do not offer intravenous (IV) sedation, conscious sedation, or general anaesthetic in-house. This is an active clinical choice — local anaesthetic, when delivered carefully, is safe, well tolerated, and means there is no need for fasting, recovery time, or an escort home in most cases.

If you have a significant dental phobia, complex medical history, or a wisdom tooth case that we feel would be better managed with sedation or general anaesthetic, we will be open and honest with you. In those situations we will discuss referral to a specialist oral surgery service that provides sedation or hospital-based care. Acting within our area of competence is part of our commitment to safe, GDC-compliant practice.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction varies between individuals and depends on how involved the procedure was. The timeline below is a general guide — your dentist will provide specific advice based on your case.

Risks We Discuss During Consent

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure, and most patients recover without difficulty. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are recognised risks that we will explain to you fully before you decide to proceed. Honest discussion of these risks is part of valid consent and reflects guidance from the General Dental Council.

• Pain and swelling: Some discomfort and swelling are expected in the days following extraction. These usually improve steadily with simple pain relief and aftercare.
• Bruising: Bruising of the cheek or jaw may occasionally appear and typically resolves within one to two weeks.
• Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): A delayed-healing condition that may occur if the blood clot is lost early. Risk factors include smoking, vigorous rinsing, and certain medications. It usually responds well to a simple in-clinic dressing.
• Bleeding: Minor oozing for the first day is normal. Persistent or significant bleeding is uncommon and should be reported promptly.
• Infection: A small risk of post-operative infection exists and may require antibiotics if it occurs.
• Limited mouth opening (trismus): Temporary jaw stiffness is common following lower wisdom tooth removal and usually resolves within one to two weeks.
• Nerve disturbance (lower wisdom teeth): The roots of lower wisdom teeth can lie close to nerves supplying the lip, chin, and tongue. In a small percentage of cases, these nerves can be bruised during extraction, causing temporary tingling or numbness. Permanent altered sensation is rare and your X-rays are reviewed carefully to assess this risk before proceeding.
• Sinus communication (upper wisdom teeth): The roots of upper wisdom teeth lie close to the maxillary sinus. In rare cases a small communication can occur between the socket and the sinus, which is managed at the time and usually heals uneventfully.
• Damage to neighbouring teeth or fillings: Uncommon, but mentioned as part of full disclosure.

Your dentist will explain how these risks apply to your individual case, based on your X-rays and clinical findings, before any procedure is booked. You are encouraged to ask questions and take time to consider your options.

When We Refer to a Specialist

Most wisdom tooth removals can be carried out safely in our clinic under local anaesthetic. There are, however, certain situations where we believe specialist oral surgery care is in your best interests. These include:

• Fully bony-impacted lower wisdom teeth with high proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve
• Cases where sedation or general anaesthetic is considered necessary for your comfort or safety
• Complex medical histories that warrant a hospital setting
• The presence of a cyst or other pathology requiring specialist management

When referral is appropriate, we will discuss this openly and direct you to a qualified specialist oral surgery service. Operating within our area of competence is part of how we maintain safe, transparent care in line with GDC standards.

Why Patients Choose Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Important: If you develop significant facial swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, or a high fever with spreading swelling, please attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department or call 999 immediately. These may indicate a serious infection requiring hospital-level care.

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