At Boon Dental, we have a lot of experience in wisdom teeth extraction. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about this procedure. But to start with, what exactly are wisdom teeth and why can they be problematic?
Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars are usually the final teeth to show up. They tend to erupt between our late teen and early adult years. Though, sometimes, they don’t appear at all. These teeth are found at the back of both your top and bottom jaw.
Because wisdom teeth are usually the last to arrive, sometimes there is not enough space for them. This can result in them erupting in a problematic way leading to overcrowding, infection and discomfort.
Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Some wisdom teeth erupt without issue and don’t pose the risk of potential dental issues down the track. But in other cases, we see wisdom teeth erupting at an angle and becoming impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth can create movement in your mouth by pushing against the teeth next to them. This not only causes pain and discomfort in the surrounding area but can affect your bite. Impacted wisdom teeth also promote decay, gum disease and sometimes even cysts.
Pain and discomfort are signs of impacted wisdom teeth. But it’s difficult to know yourself if you need wisdom teeth removal. Having a family dentist monitor your oral health through regular check-ups and annual dental X-rays allows them to track your wisdom teeth development.
If your dentist has reason to believe that your wisdom teeth are or will become impacted, there is a good chance they will recommend their extraction.
What to Expect When Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
As no two patients are the same, wisdom teeth removal can differ from one patient to another. At Boon Dental, we ensure you have all the information you need to feel confident going into your procedure.
Whether you have your extraction done in the dental chair or the hospital will depend on your specific case. Usually, this procedure is done with local anaesthetic in the dental chair. But in complex cases your dentist may recommend that you have the procedure under general anaesthetic, in hospital.
How much time the procedure takes depends on how many teeth you are having removed, and how easy they are to extract. Typically, wisdom teeth removal can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes.
After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The first 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed are critical to your successful recovery. You will receive a list of instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon and it’s important to follow them.
Swelling, bruising and discomfort is normal in the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist can recommend medication for pain and inflammation relief alongside any antibiotics they may prescribe you. Using ice packs on the area for the first 24 hours will also help reduce swelling.
It’s important to not rinse your mouth out for the first 24 hours post-extraction. This can disturb the area and the initial phases of recovery. After the first 24 hours, gentle rinsing out of your mouth with warm salt water is recommended. You can also start gentle toothbrushing at this stage, being sure to steer clear of the extraction site.
Rest is always beneficial for recovery. So, we recommend that you take a day or two off work and any strenuous exercise to let yourself heal.
How Boon Dental Can Help You
Are you looking for a dentist in Wentworth Point or Ropes Crossing who can help you with your wisdom teeth? We can help!
Our experienced dentists carry out full evaluations before recommending wisdom teeth extraction. Should you need wisdom teeth removed, our gentle dentists can look after you.
Modern anaesthetic and the way we administer it means you’ll always be as comfortable as possible. We can also offer you sedation options should you feel anxious about the procedure.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful to deal with. And left unattended to, they can lead to dental issues. Are your wisdom teeth getting you down? Book an assessment at Boon Dental today!