Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to expect
If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible as impacted wisdom teeth can cause further complications.
It’s important to understand that not everyone develops problems with their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. In some cases they often lack sufficient space to emerge or develop properly and wisdom teeth removal is needed.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
In some cases wisdom teeth may not have enough space to grow properly, causing impaction or partial eruption. This can cause pain, damage to adjacent teeth and even the chance of gum disease.
Wisdom teeth removal offers numerous benefits, including pain relief from impacted teeth, reduced risk of complications like infections and gum issues, improved overall oral hygiene, and enhanced quality of life. These advantages make wisdom teeth removal a crucial step for maintaining optimal oral health and well-being.
How do our dentists diagnose wisdom teeth issues?
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms, however, they can become infected and cause other dental problems. Some symptoms you may experience include:
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Jaw pain.
- Bad breath.
- Jaw swelling.
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
- A bad taste in your mouth.
To assess your condition, The Practice’s dentists will utilise a full-mouth radiograph known as an orthopantomograph (OPG). This X-ray captures a comprehensive view of your oral structures, including the position of your wisdom teeth, surrounding nerves and sinuses. By evaluating the OPG our experienced South Brisbane dentists can determine the number of wisdom teeth present and their alignment. This will help them determine the best treatment plan and if they should be removed.
Wisdom teeth removal – what’s involved?
To remove your wisdom teeth, The Practice dentists will first discuss the process in detail to ensure you’re comfortable. They will address any concerns you have and ensure you’re fully informed.
Removal can be performed by a general dentist under local anaesthetic or at times it is required to be completed with a specialist surgeon. If a general anaesthetic is required or a preference for you then a referral will be provided to you.
Wisdom tooth removal – recovery and risks
After extraction, the area where the wisdom tooth was removed will be stitched to facilitate healing. Post-operative swelling, bruising, and pain are common experiences after wisdom teeth removal. This pain or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Like any dental procedure, there are risks, including:
- The chance of temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue. Jaw joint tenderness.
- Limited ability to open mouth.
- Dry socket.
- Infection.
- Tooth fracture.
- Nerve damage.
- Damage to adjacent teeth.
Removal of upper wisdom teeth close to the sinus floor can lead to sinus-mouth communication, necessitating additional procedures for repair. The possibility of bone fracture behind the upper wisdom teeth, called the maxillary tuberosity, is also discussed, as it may affect healing but typically causes minimal issues.
It’s crucial to consult with your dentist and consider your individual risk factors to make an informed decision about the wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Wisdom teeth removal South Brisbane
The experienced dentists at The Practice have years of experience removing impacted wisdom teeth. As an essential procedure to relieve pain and protect your oral health, they are dedicated to innovation and high-quality care will ensure you get the best treatment possible.
To make an appointment with our dentists, or to learn more about wisdom teeth removal, contact us online or call 07 3733 3223.
