Medically reviewed by Dr. Rawa Abdelrahim, Dentaltech Swords clinic
CALM, SURGICAL WISDOM TOOTH CARE
Wisdom Teeth
Recurring pain, swelling or infection at the back of your mouth? First step: Book your Oral exam: €60, with your PRSI — €0. You may need to have X-rays or an OPG scan to make a medical decision about your wisdom tooth extraction.
Note: Any procedure should be prescribed by a dentist. First step — book your full Dental Check-Up for €60 (€0 with PRSI).
- From €390
- 4 Irish clinics
When wisdom teeth need to come out
Your dentist will assess your current oral health and make a clinical decision about your extraction.
- Oral exam: €60
- With PRSI: €0
PATIENT STORIES
What Our Patients Say
RECOGNISED EXCELLENCE
Award-winning dental & denture care in Ireland
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
We make dental care affordable
We accept VHI and DeCare dental insurance
We accept PRSI for Oral Exam and Scale & Polish
We don’t accept Medical Cards
We accept PRSI for Oral Exam and Scale & Polish
We don’t accept Medical Cards
Pay in 3 with Klarna
Split your treatment into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna – quick approval at checkout.
Available at Our Clinics
Dublin South – Terenure
Dublin North – Swords
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin North – Swords
Wexford
Waterford
OVERVIEW
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars — the four teeth right at the back of your mouth (one in each corner, top and bottom). They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.
Does everyone get wisdom teeth? No — around 1 in 4 people are born without one or more wisdom teeth, and some never erupt at all. When they do come through, there often isn’t enough room — so they can become impacted or grow sideways into the tooth in front, causing pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth.
Not every wisdom tooth needs removing — but if you have any of the symptoms opposite, an assessment at DentalTech will give you a clear answer.
Signs you may need wisdom tooth removal
- Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth — Common when a wisdom tooth is erupting, impacted or pressing on the next tooth.
- Swollen, red or bleeding gum flap — Pericoronitis — infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth — needs prompt treatment.
- Bad taste or breath you can’t fix — Food trapping under the gum flap is a classic sign the tooth needs to come out.
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing — Suggests spreading infection — book a same-day emergency appointment.
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or tooth in front — Wisdom teeth are hard to clean and often cause hidden decay on the neighbouring molar.
- Cysts or shifting of other teeth on X-ray — Confirmed by panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan — a clear indication for removal.
PAIN & INFECTION
Wisdom tooth pain, infection & pain relief
From a dull ache at the back of the jaw to a full wisdom tooth abscess — here’s what’s happening, and what helps.
Wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom tooth pain typically feels like a deep, throbbing ache at the very back of the jaw. It’s most common when a tooth is erupting, impacted or growing sideways into the second molar. Pain may radiate to the ear, jaw joint or side of the head and often flares up when chewing.
Wisdom tooth infection & abscess
Infected wisdom tooth symptoms include red, swollen gum around the tooth, bad taste or breath, pain on swallowing, swollen jaw or face and sometimes fever. Left untreated, an infection can develop into severe complications.
How to stop wisdom tooth pain
For short-term wisdom tooth pain relief: take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed, rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times a day, keep the area clean with a soft brush and apply a cold compress to the cheek. These measures calm symptoms — but if pain or swelling lasts more than 2–3 days, the tooth needs to be assessed.
Severe swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing? This may be a spreading wisdom tooth infection — call your nearest clinic for a same-day emergency appointment.
BENEFITS
Stop the pain, protect the rest of your smile
Removing a problem wisdom tooth early is usually simpler, cheaper and kinder than waiting for repeated infections.
Stops the Pain at the Source
Removes the impacted or infected tooth causing recurring pain, swelling and bad taste.
Prevents Damage to Other Teeth
Stops a wisdom tooth pushing or decaying the second molar in front of it.
Same-Day Surgical Appointments
Most wisdom tooth extractions completed in a single visit under local anaesthetic.
Minimally Invasive Technique
Sectioned extractions to preserve bone and speed up healing.
Calm, Reassuring Care
Sedation-friendly clinics and gentle, judgement-free dentists experienced in surgical extractions.
Insurance & PRSI Support
We help you claim back through VHI, DeCare and PRSI, plus 20% Med 2 tax relief.
TREATMENT JOURNEY
Your wisdom tooth treatment, step-by-step
From consultation through to healing review — calm, comfortable and clearly explained.
01
Consultation & X-Ray
We assess your symptoms, take a panoramic X-ray and — for impacted teeth — a CBCT scan to plan precisely.
02
Treatment Plan & Quote
Clear written plan, transparent pricing and recovery advice — you decide when to go ahead.
03
Local Anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding gum are fully numbed — sedation is available for nervous patients.
04
Gentle Extraction
Routine wisdom teeth are removed in minutes; impacted teeth are sectioned for a smaller, kinder procedure.
05
Stitches & Aftercare Pack
Dissolvable stitches where needed, plus written aftercare advice and a 24-hour contact number.
06
Healing Review
We check healing at a follow-up visit and remove any non-dissolvable stitches.
PRICING
Wisdom tooth removal cost in Ireland
Transparent pricing — confirmed in writing after your consultation. Pay in 3 with Klarna.
First step Oral exam: €60, with PRSI – €0
You may need to have X-rays or an OPG scan to make a medical decision about your tooth extraction
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
3× €130 with Klarna
or €390
Routine extraction of a fully erupted wisdom tooth under local anaesthetic.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
3× €150 with Klarna
or €450
Surgical extraction of a partially or fully impacted wisdom tooth.
AFTERCARE
Recovery do’s and don’ts
Most patients are back to normal in 2–3 days. Following these simple steps speeds up healing and prevents dry socket.
Do
- Bite firmly on gauze for 30–45 minutes after surgery
- Use a cold compress on your cheek for the first 24 hours
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed for pain relief
- Eat soft, lukewarm food (soup, yoghurt, pasta) for 2–3 days
- Rinse gently with warm salt water from day 2
Don't
- Don’t rinse, spit or use a straw for the first 24 hours
- Don’t smoke or vape for at least 72 hours — it causes dry socket
- Don’t drink alcohol while on antibiotics or pain relief
- Don’t poke the socket with your tongue or fingers
- Don’t do heavy exercise for 48 hours
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED REMOVAL
Symptoms of problem wisdom teeth
Not every wisdom tooth needs removing. We only recommend extraction when these symptoms appear — confirmed with an OPG or CBCT scan.
Pain at the back of the jaw
A dull ache or sharp pain behind the last molar, especially when biting or opening wide, often signals an impacted wisdom tooth.
Swollen, red gum (pericoronitis)
A flap of gum over a partially erupted wisdom tooth traps food and bacteria, causing recurrent infection and swelling.
Recurring jaw infections
Repeated episodes of swelling, bad taste or facial swelling around the back tooth area need surgical assessment.
Difficulty opening your mouth
Restricted jaw movement (trismus) often accompanies wisdom tooth infection and is a sign treatment shouldn’t wait.
Decay in the wisdom tooth or its neighbour
Wisdom teeth are very hard to clean — they often decay quickly, and the cavity can spread to the second molar in front.
Crowding or pressure on other teeth
Pain or movement of the front teeth can be linked to wisdom teeth pushing forward as they erupt.
FAQS
Wisdom tooth questions
Everything you need to know about wisdom tooth removal, costs, recovery and risks.
How much does a wisdom tooth extraction cost in Ireland?
At DentalTech, a routine wisdom tooth extraction is €390 and a surgical (impacted) wisdom tooth extraction is €450 — both payable in 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna. A consultation is €60, and a CBCT scan (if needed for complex cases) is €150. 20% Med 2 tax relief is available on surgical extractions.
Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?
Not always. Wisdom teeth that have erupted fully and can be cleaned properly often don’t need removal. We recommend extraction when there’s recurring pain or infection (pericoronitis), decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, cysts on X-ray, or pressure on neighbouring teeth.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
No — the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you’ll only feel pressure during the procedure. Most patients describe the surgery itself as much easier than they expected. Mild discomfort, swelling and stiffness are normal for 2–4 days afterwards and are easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does wisdom tooth extraction take?
A routine wisdom tooth extraction usually takes 15–30 minutes. A surgical (impacted) extraction takes 30–60 minutes depending on the position of the tooth and its proximity to the nerve.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have room to erupt fully — it’s stuck against bone, gum or the tooth in front. Impactions can be partial (partly through the gum) or full (entirely under bone), and usually need a small surgical procedure to remove safely.
What is the recovery time after wisdom tooth removal?
Most patients return to office work or school after 1–2 days. Swelling peaks around day 2–3 and settles by day 5–7. Stitches dissolve or are removed at 7–10 days, and the gum fully closes over 2–3 weeks. Bone healing takes 2–3 months but isn’t something you’ll feel.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket happens when the protective blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the bone. It causes a dull, throbbing ache 3–5 days after surgery. To avoid it: don’t rinse, spit, smoke, vape or use a straw for at least 72 hours after surgery. If it does happen, we treat it quickly with a soothing dressing.
Will I need stitches?
Surgical (impacted) wisdom tooth extractions usually need 1–2 stitches to close the gum. We use dissolvable stitches where possible — they fall out on their own at 7–10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed at a quick follow-up visit.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Yes — straightforward wisdom teeth can be removed in the same visit. For impacted lower wisdom teeth, we sometimes recommend removing one side at a time so you can chew comfortably during recovery. We’ll advise the safest option at your consultation.
Is wisdom tooth removal covered by PRSI or insurance?
PRSI doesn’t cover wisdom tooth extraction directly, but eligible PAYE workers receive a free annual examination. Most VHI and DeCare plans contribute towards surgical extractions. 20% Med 2 tax relief is available on the full cost — we provide a Med 2 receipt automatically.
What are the risks of wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a very safe, routine procedure. Possible short-term side effects include swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness and dry socket. Rare risks include temporary numbness of the lip or tongue if a wisdom tooth is very close to a nerve — which is why we use CBCT scans for complex cases to plan around the nerve precisely.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars — the four teeth at the very back of your mouth, one in each corner. Where are your wisdom teeth located? Right behind your second molars, closest to the jaw joint. They usually erupt between ages 17 and 25.
Does everyone get wisdom teeth?
No. Around 1 in 4 people are born without one or more wisdom teeth, and some never erupt at all even when present. It’s perfectly normal to have anywhere between zero and four wisdom teeth.
What are the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth?
Infected wisdom tooth symptoms include red, swollen or bleeding gum around the tooth, persistent bad taste or breath, pain on biting or swallowing, swollen jaw or cheek, swollen lymph glands and sometimes fever. If swelling spreads or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, treat it as a dental emergency and contact us immediately.
What is a wisdom tooth abscess?
A wisdom tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection around or inside an impacted wisdom tooth. Signs include severe throbbing pain, facial swelling, a bad taste from pus draining into the mouth, fever and feeling generally unwell. An abscess needs same-day drainage, antibiotics and — once settled — extraction of the underlying tooth.
How do I stop wisdom tooth pain at home?
For short-term wisdom tooth pain relief: take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol as directed, rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times a day, gently brush the area with a soft toothbrush and apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. These measures calm the symptoms but don’t treat the cause — if pain or swelling lasts more than 2–3 days, book an assessment.
What does it mean if a wisdom tooth is growing sideways?
A wisdom tooth growing sideways is called a mesially impacted wisdom tooth — it’s tilted forward into the second molar instead of erupting straight up. This commonly causes pain, food trapping, decay on the tooth in front and recurring gum infections, and is one of the most common reasons we recommend extraction.
Do they break your jaw to remove wisdom teeth?
No. Despite the myth, dentists do not break the jaw to remove wisdom teeth. For impacted teeth, the surgeon makes a small gum incision and may divide the tooth into 2–3 pieces (sectioning) to remove it through a smaller opening — this protects the bone and surrounding teeth. Jaw fracture is a very rare complication, not a planned step.
In pain at the back of your mouth?
Book a wisdom tooth consultation at your nearest DentalTech clinic — Dublin, Wexford or Waterford.