Nhs wisdom tooth referral

Matt_22

Hi does anyone have experience of the waiting times for wisdom tooth extraction with a referral from your dentist. Thanks

Toothsmith

It can vary enormously depending on region. 

brook2jack2

In one area I worked two years and counting, in another around 4 months. Most places up to a year. 

jemj83

I live in London. Was referred in May '22, had first consultation in Dec '22 and am booked in for removal in May '23

Toothsmith

In my area, after I've referred them, I generally have the final letter back saying it's been done within 4-5 months. Sometimes quicker. 

Matt_22

Toothsmith said:

In my area, after I've referred them, I generally have the final letter back saying it's been done within 4-5 months. Sometimes quicker. 

Thanks does that involve a specialist dentist in primary care. Or being sent to hospital?

Matt_22

Toothsmith said:

It can vary enormously depending on region. 

Is there any way of finding this out?

brook2jack2

Ask the dentist who referred you for average waiting list time. 

In some areas tier 2 referrals are set up for less complicated wisdom teeth , some of which can also provide sedation. Waiting list times tend to be shorter where this applies. 

If you need to go to hospital ie because you need a general anaesthetic or because there is no tier 2 provision then waiting lists will be much,much much longer. 

Matt_22

Thanks it's been accepted as a tier 2 referral. I have tracked my referral. What would happen next do they get you in for a consulation or do you just get an appointment for it to be done? Thanks

brook2jack2

Normally for tier 2 your dentist will have sent x rays along with your referral and , depending on this, they may want to get you in first for any further investigations and informed consent. If it is fairly straight forward they may take it out on first  visit. 

Matt_22

Thanks, it says it has been accepted. Does this mean the consultant has viewed the x-ray. I know they said they had sent one. Thanks