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Wisdom Teeth
Extraction

Dental x-ray

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction (removal) is a common procedure that assists to eliminate the pain caused by problematic wisdom tooth development. If left in place, difficult wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infections and serious damage to the surrounding jawbone and teeth.

 

What are wisdom teeth?

Most people has 32 teeth, 16 each on both the upper and lower jaw of which four are wisdom teeth (also called third molars), two each on both the upper and lower jaw.

 

Third molars have been referred to as “teeth of wisdom” since the 17th century because they typically erupt between the ages of 16 to 21, which are known as the ‘age of wisdom’.

 

Since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, they frequently lack the space necessary for proper alignment.

 

Wisdom teeth surgery: Do I need it?

Not all wisdom teeth need removal.  As long as your wisdom teeth are fully functional, and you can brush and floss them properly, removal is unnecessary. The best way to determine whether you require wisdom teeth removal or not is to visit our dentists for a professional evaluation. Going for your regular dental checkups and cleaning allows your dentist to monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend preventive treatments if needed. 

 

How will I know if I have a problem? 

You may need  your wisdom teeth removed if you notice the following:

  • Moderate to severe pain

  • Infection (see a dentist immediately)

  • Adjacent teeth are sore or shifting

  • Red, swollen or sore gums

  • Cysts in the gums

 

An impacted wisdom tooth is sometimes painless and you may not even realise you have one. However, if left in your jaw, it could lead to a host of problems ranging from crooked teeth to sinus pain, headaches and more.

 

If you experience any of the above symptoms or if you suspect yourself having an impacted wisdom tooth, contact us to find out more about the available treatment options.  

 

Why extract your wisdom teeth?

For most people, their wisdom teeth will be blocked from erupting completely in the mouth by the permanent second molars or the surrounding bone and/or gums due to the smaller jaw space.  These wisdom teeth are considered to be impacted and can cause a variety of problems.

 

The impacted wisdom tooth may:

  • Partially emerge (partially impacted), showing only the crown of the tooth

  • Never emerge through the gums at all (fully impacted) 

  • grow at an angle towards or away from the second molar, or grow at a right angle, almost as if it Gs “lying” down

 

Treating impacted wisdom teeth is the most common reason why your dentist will recommend them to be extracted.

 

The need to remove your wisdom teeth removed are typically caused by the following problems:

 

  • Tooth decay

If your wisdom tooth is impacted, saliva, bacteria and food can accumulate around it, causing cavities to the wisdom tooth or decay of the tooth beside it. This often leads to a painful infection.

 

  • Gum infection

If your tooth is partially erupted through the gum, food particles and bacteria can accumulate beneath the gum, resulting in a local infection. This can lead to pain, swelling and bad breath. You may even find it difficult to chew or open your mouth fully. This infection can spread to the cheek and neck.

 

  • Pressure pain

When a wisdom tooth develops, it can cause a lot of pressure against the other teeth in the mouth as they try to make room. This can cause severe pressure pain, and can even lead to erosion of the other teeth.

 

  • Orthodontic reasons

If you have received orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, your wisdom teeth can compromise the results by moving the teeth out of place.

 

  • Prosthetic Reasons

When a patient requires dentures, they are advised to have any wisdom tooth removed. If a wisdom tooth grows in beneath a denture, it can lead to irritation, and if removed, the patient will require new dentures as this changes the shape of the gums and mouth.

 

  • Cyst formation

A cyst (fluid-filled sac) can form from the tissue surrounding an impacted wisdom tooth. This can lead to bone destruction, jaw enlargement and movement or decay of nearby teeth. The removal of the tooth and cyst is required to avoid further bone loss. In severe cases tumours can develop inside these cysts, and they can even result in a fractured jaw if left to grow.

 

These conditions develop over time and without warning. We recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem and to avoid a more complicated surgery.

 

What’s the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?

Teeth grow from the crown down to the root. Ideally one should remove your wisdom teeth before the root is fully formed when surgery will be easier with much less recovery time required. Once the roots have fully develop it becomes much more difficult to do an extraction.

 

Initial Consultation

At your first visit consultation with our experienced dentists will include the following:

  • Comprehensive dental examination

  • X-ray of your mouth to check the wisdom teeth’s alignment and condition

  • Talk you through each stage of the wisdom teeth removal process 

  • Give advise on aftercare and pain management

  • Surgery may be recommended, depending on the wisdom teeth’s condition

 

Need your wisdom teeth removed? Contact us now to schedule your consultation.

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