What Are The Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They erupt last and often, by this time, do not have sufficient room to be accommodated in the jaw. There are lots of reasons why it might be a good idea to remove your wisdom teeth, including
- Tooth decay
- Gum infections
- Problems with dental hygiene because of the position of the wisdom teeth
- The formation of a cyst
If it appears as though your wisdom teeth are going to present with a problem, it’s best to have them removed sooner rather than later. Waiting too long can result in greater damage and a more complex procedure that is more costly in the long term. If there is decay or an infection present, not treating it early enough poses a risk to the infection spreading.
What You Can Expect When Getting Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom tooth extractions may have been very painful years ago but thanks to advances in modern dentistry and anaesthetic, patients have no need to fear the procedure or their dentist!
If your extraction is going to be straightforward, you can probably have it done in your dentist’s chair using some local anaesthetic.
If your procedure is going to be more complex (such as if the teeth are in a position that is difficult to access), you may be admitted to hospital.
If you are having a wisdom tooth removed in the dentist’s chair, the area will first be numbed and injected with a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then remove your tooth using special tools. Sometimes it is necessary to make incisions, especially if the wisdom tooth has only partially erupted and is trapped behind the gum. If the tooth is very big or difficult to remove it may need to be cut into smaller pieces.
After the wisdom tooth has been removed, you will be given a piece of gauze to bite down on, in order to curb the bleeding. In the majority of cases patients find their wisdom tooth extractions no different to any other tooth extraction and find they can manage without pain medication. If you do experience any pain or discomfort you can usually take over-the-counter pain medication for a day or two after the procedure. What is important is that you follow your dentist’s post-operative recovery instructions very carefully in order to heal quickly. This includes keeping your mouth clean and not dislodging the blood clot that must form in order to protect the site and enable it to heal well.
Do you need wisdom teeth surgery? Early intervention could mean a straightforward procedure that is more affordable. Don’t delay; please contact our practice for an appointment as soon as possible: (02) 4210 9078.
