Wisdom teeth extraction - NHS or private?

bunberry

Having visited the orthodontist for a braces consultation I've been advised to have both my lower wisdom teeth removed, as apparently they're still growing and are likely to interfere with treatment.

Should I get this done privately or under the NHS? Or would I not be eligible for NHS because extraction would be for cosmetic/prevention reasons?

Is it difficult to remove a wisdom tooth? I'm absolutely petrified just thinking about it, what if my teeth refuse to come out (I'm assuming big tooth = huge roots = strong)?? How often do nerves get damaged in the process?

Advice and reassurance much appreciated

j.e.j.

Years ago I was told a similar thing by a dentist, namely that an orthodontist probably wouldn't do anything 'while those wisdoms are still there'. My wisdom teeth are impacting but I don't think you can be referred to have wisdoms removed on the nhs unless they are causing pain, so possibly having them removed privately might be a better option for you?

brook2jack

If it is part of an orthodontic treatment plan and the orthodontist has valid clinical reasons then there is no reason why wisdom teeth cannot be taken out on the NHS.
As to how difficult it may be can't say without looking at xrays and yourself, some will come out easily and any dentist can do it, some are more difficult and you would need referring to the hospital to do it.

Bear in mind privately an easy wisdom tooth extraction can start at around £50 but if you need to go to hospital as a day case you will be looking at £1000 plus.

Starrystarrynight

I've had impacted wisdom teeth removed and, at the time, the dentist and hospital told me that they were only allowed, under the NICE guidelines, to remove them once they started to cause pain, rather than just take them all out at once. Not sure if that would still apply as part of your treatment, OP.

brook2jack

Nice guidelines also allow for removal of impacted wisdom teeth to facilitate dental treatment eg if there is decay in a tooth next door that can't be filled properly because of the wisdom tooth etc or if needed for orthodontic treatment.

These wisdom teeth might not even need a hospital visit as many don't in which case nice guidelines don't apply anyway.

bunberry

brook2jack wrote: »

Bear in mind privately an easy wisdom tooth extraction can start at around £50 but if you need to go to hospital as a day case you will be looking at £1000 plus.

£1000+ for a day at the hospital :eek:

With my private dentist I've been quoted up to £135 per wisdom tooth, NHS £47 a session so I'll book an NHS appointment and go from there.

brook2jack

Private hospitals charge around £800 to £900 plus for the use of facilities, the anaesthetist and surgeon fees are on top.