Wisdom Tooth Removal for Teenagers in North Finchley

Removal is not always needed, but in teenagers it is often recommended for specific reasons. Seek an assessment if your child’s orthodontist has advised removal to create space for braces or to prevent alignment issues. Recurring pain, swelling, or infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis, is another clear sign. If your teen struggles to clean the area or has jaw stiffness, it should be checked. We use 3D CBCT scans to see how the teeth are developing and decide if early removal helps protect long‑term oral health.

The process is straightforward and designed for your child’s comfort. First, you will have a 45‑minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we take a digital X‑ray or 3D scan to plan the extraction. We explain everything clearly and answer questions. The removal itself is a separate appointment lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. We use a strong local anaesthetic to numb the area, so your child feels pressure but no pain. After the tooth is removed, stitches may be placed if needed, usually dissolving on their own, and we provide complete aftercare instructions. A follow‑up check is scheduled for 7–10 days later to ensure healing is progressing well.

This is the key period for healing. Your teen may have some swelling and mild discomfort. Use over‑the‑counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. A soft diet is important—yogurt, smoothies, and soup work well. Avoid sports and strenuous activity, and do not spit or use straws, as these can dislodge the blood clot. A small amount of bleeding is normal for the first few hours.

Swelling usually peaks around day three and then starts to decrease. They can return to a normal diet when comfortable, but should avoid hard, crunchy, or sharp foods. Rinsing with warm salt water after meals can begin 24 hours after surgery to keep the area clean. Most teenagers are ready to return to school after 2–3 days of rest. Red flags include increasing pain after day four, persistent bleeding, fever, or a bad taste from the socket; contact the office during hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9–5, Tue/Thu 11–7). For emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

In some cases, complete removal is not the only option. Watchful Waiting suits an unerupted tooth with no symptoms and enough space to grow properly. This involves regular X‑rays to monitor progress. A Coronectomy removes only the crown while leaving the roots in place. This option is sometimes considered for adults if the roots are very close to a major nerve, but it is less common for teenagers. We discuss all suitable options for your child during the consultation.

As a private practice, NHS services are not offered here. The price for a single wisdom tooth removal starts from £350. The final price depends on whether the tooth is impacted and the complexity of the surgery. This fee covers the local anaesthetic, the procedure, and follow‑up appointments. The initial consultation and any 3D scans are charged separately. We provide a transparent breakdown of costs before treatment begins. We accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and can help with claim forms.

To make an informed choice for your child whether you visit us or another practice in North London, consider these questions: Why is removal needed now rather than later? What are the risks if we wait and monitor the tooth? What does the quoted cost include and are X‑rays and follow‑ups extra? Will it be a simple or surgical extraction, and what does that involve? How much experience do you have removing wisdom teeth in teenagers? What anaesthetic is used and do you offer sedation? We use local anaesthetic only.