Wisdom teeth are your third molars. Some people are surprised to learn they have wisdom teeth because they don’t erupt until your late teens to early 20s. Other times, your dentist will find your wisdom teeth through routine dental X-rays before they erupt.
Many people do not have room in their mouth for a third molar and begin having dental problems when a wisdom tooth erupts. Your wisdom tooth may grow in at an odd angle, potentially pushing your other teeth out of alignment.
It could also be impacted, which means your wisdom tooth may not emerge fully or correctly. An impacted wisdom tooth can damage your other teeth, and the tooth is more prone to infection.
Wisdom teeth may also cut into your cheek and gums depending on the way they grow in. Discomfort in your jaw is common when the wisdom tooth causes overcrowding of your existing teeth. If your dentist sees that you have wisdom teeth, they may recommend wisdom teeth surgery to avoid future complications.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery
By having wisdom teeth surgery, you can avoid problems like damaging your other teeth and an increased risk of infection due to an impacted wisdom tooth. Your dentist will advise you on what procedure is best to remove your wisdom teeth. An upper wisdom tooth is easier to remove than a lower one.
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Simple Extraction
If your wisdom tooth erupts normally, you may qualify for a simple extraction. This procedure is similar to getting any other tooth pulled. The dentist numbs the affected area of your mouth with a local anaesthetic.
Once it takes effect, your dentist will pull any wisdom teeth out, using dental instruments to move the tooth in a rocking motion.
You may feel some pressure and discomfort from the procedure, but you should not feel pain. Inform your dentist immediately if, at any time, the extraction starts to hurt. They can stop the process and administer more of the numbing agent before resuming the extraction.
The entire procedure can be accomplished in one visit. You may experience some slight swelling in your mouth for a few days following the wisdom tooth extraction.
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Complex Extraction
This type of wisdom teeth surgery is an outpatient procedure. If your wisdom tooth is impacted or hasn’t erupted, you will need a complex extraction. In this procedure, general anaesthesia is administered.
After you’re put under, the dentist will reveal the tooth by cutting into your gum. Your dentist will remove bone if it’s covering the wisdom tooth before using a drill to break the tooth apart. Once the pieces of your wisdom teeth are removed, your dentist stitches up your gums and places gauze in your mouth.
The recovery time for a complex extraction is longer than a simple extraction. You will experience swelling in your mouth and discomfort for roughly three days after the procedure. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to make you more comfortable during this time and recommend consuming soft foods that are easy to chew. It may take up to a week before you are fully recovered.
Gordon Family Dental Can Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
A wisdom tooth can cause serious dental problems. You may experience discomfort from overcrowding of your teeth and are more prone to infections from impacted wisdom teeth.
Gordon Family Dental is happy to offer wisdom teeth surgery to residents living in New South Wales. Contact Gordon Family Dental today on (02) 9159 6163 to request an appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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