Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in our mouths. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner. Two on the top (one on each side) and two on the bottom (again, one on each side). They typically begin to emerge in our late teens or early twenties, although the timing varies from person to person.
Wisdom teeth were more useful to our ancestors who had larger jaws and ate a tougher diet, wearing teeth down more quickly. With advancements in modern dentistry and changes in diet, we no longer have sufficient room in our jaws to accommodate them. As a result, they can’t properly grow through the gums due to lack of space or obstruction by other teeth. Impacted teeth can lead to various dental problems, including pain, infection, crowding of other teeth, and damage to nearby teeth or bones.
Because of this wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary. There’s no need to worry, though. It’s a common dental procedure where the wisdom teeth are surgically removed either before problems arise or when issues such as pain or infection occur. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, and it depends on individual factors such as jaw size, tooth alignment, and the presence of symptoms or complications.
When is It Necessary To Remove Wisdom Teeth?
While some people need to get their wisdom teeth out, others have adequate space in their jaws to accommodate them without a problem. Some people don’t even notice when they grow at all. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the development and condition of wisdom teeth to see if removal is listed. The most likely reasons for extraction are below;
Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- When wisdom teeth can’t emerge properly through the gums due to lack of space or obstruction by other teeth.
- The impaction can lead to various issues such as pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth or bone.
Crowding:
- Wisdom teeth can overcrowd the mouth, leading to misalignment of other teeth.
- Removing wisdom teeth can prevent further crowding and maintain proper alignment.
Pericoronitis:
- Inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Removal of the impacted wisdom teeth can alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrent episodes of pericoronitis.
Decay or Gum Disease:
- Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth, making them prone to decay and gum disease.
- Removal may be recommended if decay or gum disease can’t be effectively managed through improved oral hygiene or dental treatments.
Cysts or Tumours:
- Rarely, wisdom teeth may develop cysts or tumours, causing damage to the surrounding teeth and bone.
- Removal of the affected wisdom teeth may be necessary to prevent further complications and to address the cysts or tumours.
Orthodontic Treatment:
- In cases where orthodontic treatment is planned, the presence of wisdom teeth might interfere with the alignment of other teeth.
- Removal of wisdom teeth may be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to create space so the teeth can move properly.
Preventive Measures:
- In some cases, wisdom teeth removal can be recommended preventively, even if there are no symptoms.
- This proactive approach helps to avoid potential future complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
The only way to know whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed is to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon for an assessment and recommendation. Our amazing team at Bexley Dental will help with all your wisdom teeth needs and Dr Theo Spyrakis will perform these surgeries in our office. He can remove one, two, three or all four of your wisdom teeth in one visit. The skill of a surgeon can have a dramatic impact on the level of post-operative discomfort, so don’t risk painful consequences. Book a consultation with our team today!
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process:
If you do need to get your teeth removed, it’s necessary to go to a qualified and experienced dentist or oral surgeon. While modern dentistry has been performing wisdom teeth removal for several decades, different places will have different processes. The wisdom teeth removal process normally goes as follows;
Initial Assessment:
- The dentist or oral surgeon conducts a thorough examination with X-rays, to assess the position, size, and condition of the wisdom teeth.
- The assessment will determine the necessity of removal and the best approach for the procedure.
Anaesthesia Administration:
- Before the extraction, the patient receives anaesthesia to ensure comfort and minimise pain during the procedure.
- Anaesthesia options include local anaesthesia to numb the extraction area, sedation to induce relaxation, or general anaesthesia for complete unconsciousness.
Surgical Extraction:
- The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth and underlying bone.
- Using specialised instruments, the tooth is carefully loosened from the surrounding tissues and bone.
- In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Extraction of the Wisdom Tooth:
- Once loosened, the wisdom tooth is gently extracted from its socket in the jawbone.
- The dentist or oral surgeon may need to apply controlled force to remove the tooth completely.
Closure of the Extraction Site:
- After the wisdom tooth is removed, the extraction site is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or infection.
- Depending on the case, the dentist may place stitches to close the surgical site and promote proper healing.
Recovery and Postoperative Care:
- The patient is provided with postoperative instructions, including guidelines for managing pain, swelling, and bleeding.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, and pain medication may be recommended for discomfort.
- The patient needs to follow proper oral hygiene practices and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and ensuring optimal healing.
Potential Complications and Risks:
- While wisdom teeth removal is generally safe, potential complications such as dry socket, infection, nerve damage, or damage to adjacent teeth may occur.
- Patients should promptly report any unusual symptoms or complications to their dentist or oral surgeon for appropriate management.</li
Follow-up Evaluation:
- A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to monitor healing progress and ensure that no complications arise.
- The dentist evaluates the extraction site to ensure proper healing and may remove stitches if necessary.
And Most Importantly, Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt?
There might be some pain during surgery, but anaesthesia and pain management help manage it during and after extraction. During the procedure, patients typically receive local anaesthesia to numb the extraction area, with additional sedation or general anaesthesia provided to induce relaxation or unconsciousness if needed. This ensures patients do not feel pain during the extraction itself, although they can experience pressure or pulling sensations, which are usually not painful.
After the procedure, patients may experience discomfort or soreness as it wears off and during the initial stages of healing. Pain levels vary and depend on the complexity of the extraction, individual pain tolerance, and adherence to postoperative care instructions. However, pain is normally effectively managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications prescribed by the dentist or oral surgeon.
The initial recovery period lasts a few days to a week, during which patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. It’s common to have difficulty opening the mouth fully and to experience jaw stiffness, especially in the first few days after surgery. Following specific postoperative care instructions like applying ice packs to the face, eating soft or liquid foods, avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining good oral hygiene promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Complete healing of the extraction sites typically takes several weeks to a few months. While most patients can resume normal activities within a few days after surgery, strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments with the dentist or oral surgeon may be scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary.
While some discomfort is normal after wisdom teeth removal, severe or worsening pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or other concerning symptoms need to be reported to your dental team for evaluation and management. Overall, following postoperative instructions diligently will help promote optimal healing and minimise complications during recovery.
Get In Touch With Bexley Dental For Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Are you experiencing discomfort or worried about potential damage from your wisdom teeth? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse! At Bexley Dental, we understand the risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth and the importance of timely intervention.
Wisdom teeth can wreak havoc on your oral health, causing damage to surrounding teeth and gums. Dr. Theo Spyrakis, our experienced oral surgeon, specialises in wisdom teeth removal right here in our office. With his expertise, you can have one, two, three, or all four wisdom teeth extracted in one visit, minimising post-operative discomfort and ensuring a smoother recovery.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. With our Sleep Dentistry service, you can have your wisdom teeth removed comfortably while you sleep, under the supervision of our medically trained staff. Take control of your oral health today! Schedule your wisdom teeth removal appointment here or call us at Bexley Dental by calling (02) 9567 4151. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency – act now to protect your smile for years to come.
