Dentist performing dental procedure in Lagos Nigeria

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Lagos: Cost, Procedure & When You Really Need It

Wisdom tooth removal surgery in Lagos Nigeria
Dental Treatments
📅 June 11, 2026
⏱ 7 min read
By Dovers Dental Clinic, Lekki

Wisdom tooth problems are one of the most common dental complaints in Lagos — and one of the most misunderstood. This guide tells you when removal is genuinely necessary, what the procedure involves, how much it costs in 2026, and what recovery actually looks like.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to erupt, typically between ages 17 and 25. Most adults have four — one in each back corner of the mouth. The problem: human jaws, particularly in people of West African descent, often don’t have adequate space for these teeth to erupt fully into correct position.

When a wisdom tooth can’t emerge properly, it becomes impacted — trapped partially or fully within the jaw. This leads to: recurring infection of the gum flap (pericoronitis), decay in the wisdom tooth or adjacent molar, cyst formation, jaw pain, and in rare cases, damage to nerves or adjacent tooth roots.

Does Every Wisdom Tooth Need Removal?

No. Wisdom teeth that have fully and correctly erupted, are easy to clean, and aren’t causing problems don’t need to be removed. The decision should be based on X-ray evidence and clinical examination — not a routine policy of removing all wisdom teeth regardless of position.

Removal IS typically recommended when a wisdom tooth is: partially erupted with a food-trapping gum flap; causing recurrent infection or swelling; decayed and non-restorable; causing resorption of the adjacent tooth; associated with a cyst or tumour; or positioned in a way that makes adequate cleaning impossible.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost in Lagos (2026)

Extraction Type Complexity Lagos Cost Range
Simple erupted extraction Tooth fully visible, straightforward ₦30,000 – ₦80,000
Surgical extraction Partial impaction, bone removal needed ₦80,000 – ₦200,000
Complex surgical removal Full bony impaction, nerve proximity ₦150,000 – ₦350,000
IV sedation addition Conscious sedation for anxious patients ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 extra

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

For a surgical extraction, local anaesthetic is administered around the tooth. The overlying gum is gently incised and reflected. Bone may be removed to access the tooth, which is often sectioned (cut into pieces) to allow removal with minimal bone removal. The socket is irrigated and the gum is sutured closed. The entire procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes per tooth.

Stitches are usually dissolvable and don’t need removal. Some swelling and discomfort over the following 3–5 days is normal and managed with prescribed medication.

The Best Age for RemovalWisdom teeth are significantly easier to remove in patients aged 18–25, when the roots are incompletely formed and the bone is more flexible. Waiting until your 30s or 40s often means more complex surgery, longer recovery, and higher risk of complications. If your dentist has identified a problem with a wisdom tooth, earlier intervention is almost always better.

Recovery: What to Expect

  • Day 1–2: Swelling peaks. Soft diet, cold pack application, prescribed pain relief and antibiotics.
  • Day 3–5: Swelling gradually reduces. Most patients return to work within 2–4 days.
  • Day 7–10: Stitches dissolve. Socket healing well underway.
  • 4–6 weeks: Full bone healing. Socket fully closed.
Watch for Dry SocketDry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket is dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing bone to air and food. It causes severe, radiating pain starting 2–4 days after extraction. Avoid smoking, spitting forcefully, or using straws for 72 hours after extraction — these are the main causes. Contact your dentist immediately if pain worsens after day 2.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove all four wisdom teeth at once?
Yes, all four can be removed in one appointment, usually under IV sedation or general anaesthesia. The advantage is one recovery period. However, bilateral jaw swelling can make the recovery more challenging. Many Lagos patients prefer to do one side at a time under local anaesthetic.
Will wisdom tooth removal change my face shape?
No. The jaw and facial muscles are not affected by wisdom tooth removal. This is a common misconception. Your face shape will remain unchanged after extraction.

Wisdom Tooth Causing Problems?

Book an assessment at Dovers Dental, Lekki. We’ll take a panoramic X-ray, evaluate your wisdom teeth, and give you an honest recommendation — with transparent pricing for any extraction needed.

Book Assessment

Book wisdom tooth removal at Dovers Dental, Lekki

Visit our Tooth Extraction page to see full details, or book your appointment online — MDCN-licensed dentists in Lekki Phase 1. Same-day bookings available.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Our dentists at Dovers Dental Clinic, Lekki, are here to help.

Book Tooth Extraction →

At Dovers Dental Clinic, fees are quoted before treatment begins so you can plan with confidence.

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Explore related services and book when you are ready:

Practical Tips You Can Use Today

While you wait for your appointment, keep meals less acidic, rinse with water after sugary drinks, and avoid aggressive scrubbing if your gums are sore. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. If you are in severe pain, swelling, or fever, treat it as urgent and contact an emergency dentist in Lagos rather than waiting.

What Happens at a Dovers Consultation

Your dentist reviews your history, examines your teeth and gums, and explains findings in plain language. You receive a clear plan and a quote before treatment. Many patients combine preventive care such as scaling and polishing with cosmetic or restorative options when appropriate.

FAQs for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Lagos: Cost, Procedure & When You Really Need It

How soon should I book? If symptoms are getting worse, book within 24–48 hours. For routine concerns, schedule within the week so small problems do not become expensive ones.

Do you accept walk-ins? We try to accommodate urgent cases the same day when diaries allow. WhatsApp or call ahead so we can prepare for your visit.

Will I know the cost upfront? Yes. We quote before treatment. Preventive scaling starts from ₦40,000 and whitening from ₦50,000; other treatments are priced after examination.

Where are you located? Dovers Dental Clinic is in Lekki Phase 1 with free on-site parking. Patients visit from Ikate, Ajah, Sangotedo, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.

Practical Tips You Can Use Today

While you wait for your appointment, keep meals less acidic, rinse with water after sugary drinks, and avoid aggressive scrubbing if your gums are sore. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. If you are in severe pain, swelling, or fever, treat it as urgent and contact an emergency dentist in Lagos rather than waiting.

What Happens at a Dovers Consultation

Your dentist reviews your history, examines your teeth and gums, and explains findings in plain language. You receive a clear plan and a quote before treatment. Many patients combine preventive care such as scaling and polishing with cosmetic or restorative options when appropriate.

FAQs for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Lagos: Cost, Procedure & When You Really Need It

How soon should I book? If symptoms are getting worse, book within 24–48 hours. For routine concerns, schedule within the week so small problems do not become expensive ones.

Do you accept walk-ins? We try to accommodate urgent cases the same day when diaries allow. WhatsApp or call ahead so we can prepare for your visit.

Will I know the cost upfront? Yes. We quote before treatment. Preventive scaling starts from ₦40,000 and whitening from ₦50,000; other treatments are priced after examination.

Where are you located? Dovers Dental Clinic is in Lekki Phase 1 with free on-site parking. Patients visit from Ikate, Ajah, Sangotedo, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.

Book Your Visit at Dovers Dental Clinic

Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment online or WhatsApp us on 0805 515 8148. We are in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Fees are quoted before treatment begins — no hidden costs.

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