Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and usually emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood. These teeth often cause problems such as crowding, infection, and pain, which may require removal.

Our highly trained and experienced team of dentists use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your wisdom teeth removal treatment is as comfortable and successful as possible. We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly evaluate each case to determine the best course of treatment.

The wisdom teeth removal procedure typically involves a minor surgical procedure to extract the tooth from the jawbone. This can be done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the extraction.

After the procedure, our team of dentists will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site, and to monitor the healing process. Pain and swelling are normal after the extraction, but can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

What are the Problems with impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem that can occur when the teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly from the gums. This can cause a number of problems, including:

1. Pain and discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, gums, and surrounding teeth. This can make it difficult to open your mouth or chew food.

2. Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing them to become misaligned or crowded. This can lead to bite problems and difficulty cleaning your teeth properly.

3. Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more susceptible to infection because they are harder to clean properly. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even abscesses.

4. Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause the development of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can damage surrounding bone and teeth.

5. Tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of tumors. These can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can cause serious damage to the jaw and surrounding structures.

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure

For wisdom teeth removal, your dentist takes an X-ray of your mouth to determine who carries out the procedure. Before the procedure, you’ll be given an injection of a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Patients may have general anaesthetic if the procedure is at the hospital.

If the tooth hasn’t fully come through the gum, it’s cut to access the tooth. The tooth may be cut into small bits, making it easier to remove through the opening. There shouldn’t be any pain as the area is numb, however, you will feel some pressure before tooth removal. Removal times can vary from a few minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Wisdom tooth extraction aftercare

Dissolving stitches are placed on the gum to seal it, taking 7-10 days. Up to an hour after extraction, you may be given a gauze to place over the extraction site and asked to keep pressure on it. This helps a blood clot form in the empty tooth socket, aiding the healing. Antibiotics may also help prevent infection.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or if you suspect that your wisdom teeth may be impacted, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment.