Wisdom Teeth Removal
More Than Just A Great Smile!
HOW IT WORKS
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Achieve a healthy smile with our wisdom teeth removal, performed by our qualified dentists at Aesthetic Laser Dentistry.
Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient surgical procedure aimed at removing one or more wisdom teeth, which are the final set of adult teeth positioned at the back corners of the upper and lower jaw. Pain, infection, or other dental issues may occur when a wisdom tooth cannot properly emerge. This is when extraction becomes necessary.
If you experience impacted wisdom teeth, you may face several problems, such as:
- Pain or infection (gum disease)
- Trapped food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
- Tooth decay
- Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone
- Development of a cyst around the wisdom tooth
Don’t delay it any longer: book an appointment with our dental team to discuss the best course of action for your wisdom teeth removal.
Preparing For Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Before the procedure
If you are experiencing anxiety before your procedure, know that wisdom teeth extraction is a common and routine dental procedure performed with utmost care and professionalism by our team. You may wish to ask your dentist questions like:
- The number of wisdom teeth you will need to be removed
- The type of anesthesia you will receive
- The duration of the procedure
- Potential damage to other teeth caused by impacted wisdom teeth
- The need for future dental treatments (if any)
- The time it will take for complete healing and returning to normal activity
During the procedure
During the process of wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon typically performs the following steps:
- Creates an incision in the gum tissue to expose your tooth and underlying bone.
- Removes any obstructing bone to gain access to the tooth’s root
- Divides the tooth into sections if it facilitates easier removal
- Extracts the tooth from its socket
- Cleans the extraction site, eliminating any debris from the tooth or bone
- Stitches the wound for improved healing (although this may not always be necessary)
- Places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and aid in forming a blood clot.
After the procedure
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day, and use an ice pack to minimise swelling at the site.
Avoid:
- Strenuous activity
- Tobacco use for at least 72 hours after surgery
- Brushing your teeth or using a mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery
- Hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that may get stuck in your socket or irritate the wound
- Drinking alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours.
What Are The Risks Involved In Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The majority of wisdom tooth extractions typically do not lead to long-term complications. However, in cases where impacted wisdom teeth are involved, a surgical procedure may be necessary.This consists of an incision in the gum tissue and bone removal.
Although uncommon, potential complications may include the development of a painful dry socket, where the post-surgical blood clot is lost from the socket, leading to exposed bone. Infection in the socket can also occur due to bacteria or trapped food particles. Additionally, there is a rare risk of damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses during extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often do not grow or push through the gums until people are in their late teens, or even older. If the wisdom teeth are healthy and have completely erupted through the gums people will usually keep them as long as they can maintain them.
Unfortunately many people do not have enough space in their jaw for their wisdom teeth to fully erupt, leading to dental problems. Wisdom teeth are generally removed if they are decayed, infected, impacted or causing pain. If wisdom teeth are impacted or misaligned, they can cause damage internally to your other existing teeth whilst growing.
If you feel pain in your jaw, gums, or even suffer headaches, wisdom teeth may be the cause
Common Symptoms Of A Wisdom Tooth Problem
Common symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw
- Swelling and redness around the affected area
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Gum inflammation
- Jaw stiffness.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may partially erupt, leading to food trapping and an increased risk of decay or infection. It is essential to consult with a professional member of our dental team if you experience any of these symptoms to determine the best course of action.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal
The duration of recovery after wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person, but on average, it takes approximately one to two weeks for the gums and jaw to heal completely, so it’s crucial to diligently adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your dental professional to facilitate a smooth and successful healing process.
How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
The pain level experienced during wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the extraction, individual pain tolerance, and the use of anesthesia or sedation. While discomfort and swelling are expected after the procedure, our dental professionals employ pain management techniques to ensure your comfort, including local anaesthesia and prescribed pain medications. Rest assured, our dental team will strive to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Why do some experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?
Experts’ perspectives on wisdom teeth removal have evolved, and some now advocate for a conservative approach rather than routine extraction. This shift is influenced by factors such as the potential risks associated with surgery, the variability in tooth eruption patterns, and the absence of significant symptoms or complications in many cases. However, it is essential to consult a dental professional who can evaluate your situation and provide personalised advice on whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary based on factors such as impaction, crowding, decay risk, or potential future problems.
What are the side effects of removing wisdom teeth?
While wisdom tooth removal is generally safe, some potential side effects can occur. These may include swelling and discomfort in the extraction area, temporary difficulty opening the mouth fully, mild bleeding, bruising, and numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin. However, with proper post-operative care and following the guidance of your dental professional, the risk of such side effects can be minimised, and most individuals recover without significant issues.
