Wisdom Tooth Removal
Do you need wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth are the rear molars (back teeth) which usually come through around the late teens or early 20s. Sometimes they cause problems such as tooth decay and gum infections in the long run. Therefore, it is usually best to have problematic wisdom teeth taken out sooner rather than later.
There are instances where the wisdom tooth comes through at an angle and pushes into the gum or the tooth beside it. This is called impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth at such an angle can’t help with chewing, which makes it useless and sometimes even painful. We recommend removing your wisdom tooth in such instances for some relief and to reduce your chances of plaque building up around the tooth.
Do you need wisdom tooth extraction?
An impacted wisdom tooth can increase your risk of other unpleasant dental conditions. Moreover, they may be harder to clean since they are located towards the back of your mouth. As a result, complications such as the ones mentioned below can arise, jeopardising your oral health:
- Infection of adjacent gum tissue
- Dental decay of adjacent teeth
- Crowding of front teeth
- Formation of cysts (in rare cases)
- Pain as a result of the wisdom teeth erupting against other teeth
If your wisdom tooth is causing trouble, it may be best to remove it but our experienced dentists will first evaluate your oral health and recommend the best solution for your smile.
How it works
Here’s a quick overview of what your wisdom teeth removal treatment will look like.
- In your initial dental consultation with our dentist, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth to get an understanding of where your oral health is at and if wisdom tooth removal is necessary.
- After a physical examination, we may recommend x-rays in order to accurately see the position of your wisdom teeth. This will also reveal any other dental conditions you may have. Once we have all the information, we will devise a plan for your wisdom tooth removal.
- Our dentist will begin administering local anesthesia in order to numb the area. You will remain awake during the procedure, but any discomfort will be minimised.
- The treatment begins with our dentist making a small incision in the gumline near your wisdom tooth by using a specialised set of tools. When removing the tooth, it might be necessary to remove it portion by portion, depending on how it has erupted.
- After removal, the affected area will then be cleaned with antiseptic in order to remove any bacteria or food particles that have accumulated over time. Once cleaned, the incision can be stitched back. Sterile dental gauze will be placed over the affected area in order to encourage clot formation & stop the bleeding so it heals naturally.
Can I be asleep during the procedure?
Worried about wisdom tooth removal being painful? We offer the latest in sleep dentistry and general anaesthetic, making your procedure the most comfortable. All the equipment you would find in a hospital is on-site to ensure your safety throughout the procedure. The procedure is also supervised at all times by our specialist anaesthetist to make sure your health is in the safest hands.
Risks of Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery
As with all surgical procedures there are general and specific risks associated with extraction of wisdom teeth that depend on your specific smile and lifestyle. Any possibility of risk will be discussed in detail during your consultation with one of our highly-experienced dentists after a thorough evaluation of your smile. However, if you are eligible for wisdom tooth extraction, rest assured that you are trusting a dental practice that has decades of experience with a procedure as commonly performed as this.
Stress-free wisdom tooth removal at SDG
Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare
After the wisdom tooth removal process, it is common to experience some pain and swelling as the anaesthetic wears off. While that’s normal, our dentist will talk to you about how to care for your mouth and ensure a smooth recovery after your wisdom tooth removal. Some general suggestions include:
- Take pain-relieving medication if needed (and on advice from our oral health professional)
- Place a cold compress over your face if you experience swelling.
- Hold warm salty water in your mouth. Do this after meals and no earlier than 24 hours after surgery.
- Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods for the next few days and avoid any spicy/hard foods or beverages that are either too hot or too cold.
- Don’t smoke for 48 hours after the surgery.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth aggressively.
- Don’t use straws to drink water, as the suction motion can dislodge the blood clot forming on the extraction site, causing a dry socket condition.
- Experiencing discomfort in the days following your wisdom tooth removal is normal. However, if you experience excessive bleeding after a couple of days, fever or swelling, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our dentist.
Our gentle and experienced dentists will make sure that you leave our practice with all the steps you need to have a safe recovery at home after your wisdom tooth removal at SDG Dental, Wantirna.
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal in Wantirna
There are several factors influencing the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction. The type of sedation used and the complexity of your case are two of the main factors. To get an accurate breakdown of the cost of treatment, we recommend you visit us for a consultation. Our dentists will then examine your mouth thoroughly and provide accurate costs.
FAQs
1. Why do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth often cause issues due to lack of space in the mouth for them to erupt properly. They can become impacted, causing pain, infection, and possible damage to your adjacent teeth. This is not just uncomfortable but detrimental for your oral health and overall well-being so it’s best to have your wisdom teeth removed.
2. Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia by our highly experienced dentists, so don’t worry, you won’t feel pain. Some discomfort and swelling are normal after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication and a cold compress placed against the affected area.
3. How long is the recovery period?
Recovery time varies, but most people can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. Full healing may take up to a few weeks and we recommend avoiding any strenuous activities during this time.
4. What are dry sockets, and how can I prevent them?
Dry sockets occur when the blood clot that forms to promote healing after extraction is dislodged, exposing the bone underneath. To prevent this, follow our post-operative care instructions with care, avoid smoking, and be gentle with your mouth during the healing process.
5. What is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
If your wisdom tooth is causing you trouble, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible. Removing your wisdom teeth at a younger age is, in fact, easier than doing it at an older age. Recovery, too, will be faster without any major complications involved.
6. How do I manage any discomfort?
The pain or discomfort you feel is due to the pressure and inflammation that the wisdom tooth causes. It may start with the feeling of soreness that varies with intensity over the course of the coming weeks, very much similar to the process a teething baby endures. You can manage this pain, however, by rinsing with salt water or pressing a cold compress to your mouth. Our dentist may also recommend medication as needed.
