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- Wisdom Teeth Removal
- March 15, 2020
- by lotus
At Lotus Smiles Dental we pride ourselves on offering a gentle wisdom teeth removal procedure. We understand that your wisdom teeth may be causing you discomfort so we’ll do our very best to relieve your discomfort as efficiently as possible. We perform wisdom teeth extractions daily and do our best to provide a relaxing environment for our patients.
What Are The Wisdom Teeth And Why Should They Be Removed?
Your wisdom teeth can be thought of as a third set of molars. They are the last teeth in the mouth to emerge and for most people that can be into their early 20s.
By this stage, of course, most patients’ jaws have stopped growing and all the other adult teeth have emerged too. And that often means there isn’t enough space to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
The term “impacted wisdom teeth” is used to describe teeth that do not emerge straight. When you have impacted wisdom teeth, they need to be removed to ensure they do not cause long term complications.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause crowding in your mouth. They are also very prone to infections and decay because they are difficult to keep clean. Longer-term infections may cause cysts or abscesses to form, which are very painful, and which may threaten the health of the surrounding teeth.
At Lotus Smiles, wisdom teeth extractions are only done when your teeth are impacted. If they erupt straight there is no need for wisdom teeth removal.
What Signs Indicate You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
A dental x-ray is the surest way to know if you need wisdom teeth removal, but it’s possible that you may experience some signs before you call your dentist’s office. These may include:
- Swollen gums at the back of your jaws
- Redness
- Inflamed, tender gums
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
When you visit your dentist on a regular basis he or she will do periodic checks on the eruption of your wisdom teeth.
Ideally, it’s best to extract wisdom teeth when they show the first signs of being impacted, as the tooth roots may not have taken hold, and you may be able to have a simpler procedure.
If an infection of your wisdom tooth gets to the point where a cyst has formed, your surgery will be more complex and is likely to cost you more.
What Can You Expect When You Are Booked In For A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
In the majority of cases, wisdom teeth extractions go relatively quickly when they are planned well. If you are especially anxious or if you are having several teeth removed, and you do not want to be conscious for the procedure you can chat toy our dentist about sedation options.
Once your dentist has taken an x-ray and confirmed the position of your wisdom teeth you will be given anaesthetic to numb the area. We realise that you may have been experiencing pain or tenderness in the area so it’s important to desensitise the tooth before getting to work.
Once you are satisfied that you can’t feel any pain sensation, your dentist will start with the wisdom tooth removal. Sometimes, depending on the position of the tooth, it is necessary to make a small incision, which makes extracting your tooth easier.
Once the tooth has been removed you will be given a piece of gauze to bite down on. This will help to stop the bleeding. In some cases, a stitch or two may be needed to close the incision up.
Taking Care Of Yourself After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
It is important that you keep the wound clean and that you do not touch the site with your fingers or tongue in the first 24 hours after your wisdom teeth removal. This is because you run the risk of dislodging the blood clot that needs to form a protective layer over the area and begin the process of healing.
Avoiding smoking will help to keep your mouth clean too.
Do not brush or floss for 24 hours after surgery, and avoid drinking from a straw and drinking hot and cold beverages.
You can expect the wound to heal between seven and ten days after your wisdom teeth removal surgery. Most patients experience a mild discomfort and find they do not need any pain relief. If you do experience some swelling or pain, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain medication.
Do you still have questions about wisdom teeth removal? Please contact us as soon as possible for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.