Learn more about the before, during, and after process of wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom teeth are a weird and wonderful milestone. When these additional teeth begin to protrude through the gums, it can be painful and uncomfortable, at which point you may need a wisdom teeth specialist.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures people undertake in young adulthood. While not a problem for all people, wisdom teeth can be troublemakers for many, especially if there’s not enough space for them.
If you have started to experience pain as your wisdom teeth emerge and need advice and extraction, we can help. Contact us today at Hawthorn Road Family Dental clinic to arrange a consultation or request your next appointment online.
When will wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth that grow at the very back of your mouth behind your molars. Wisdom teeth are commonly expected around the ages of 18 to 24 years. At this age for some, they partially or fully break through the gum. For others, they will stay inside the gum and not be an issue.
As with any type of teething, the emergence of wisdom teeth can make it painful to chew or swallow. It may also involve swelling and perhaps gum inflammation. It’s important you check in with your dentist if this starts, so they can assess whether you need to have them removed.
Reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:
- Not enough space in the mouth
- Pressure on nearby teeth, bone and root structures
- Growing sideways or trapped beneath the gum
- Infection or inflammation
What can I expect during wisdom teeth removal?
If one or more wisdom teeth start causing problems or pain, they may need to be extracted. Depending on whether they have already come into the mouth or are still deeper inside the jaw, surgery may be necessary.
The procedure itself involves the widening of the tooth socket and the loosening of the tooth with dental forceps. The tooth is then extracted and the incision is closed with dissolving stitches.
Wisdom teeth are typically removed under local anaesthesia. This blocks the pain during the extraction and you remain awake. General anaesthesia may be used for more complex procedures which occurs in a hospital. In this case you will be asleep during the procedure.
What happens after I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Most people have swelling around their mouth or cheeks after surgery and can’t fully open their mouth for several hours, or perhaps a few days.
There can be some pain after the wisdom teeth are removed, and using painkillers is common while the mouth heals. Sometimes holding an ice pack against your cheek is advised to help reduce swelling.
The healing process can be affected by activities and diet, post-surgery. The dentist or surgeon may suggest things like avoiding hard foods, hot drinks, fruit juices, smoking, and strenuous activities, until the mouth has healed.
Sometimes the gums can become infected post surgery, so it’s important to follow post-removal instructions and properly take care of your mouth while it heals.
At Hawthorn Family Dental we offer exceptional care, consideration and support, at all stages of the wisdom teeth removal process. Our dentists are approachable and offer easy to understand advice, so you can make the best decisions for your dental health.
Contact us today
It is important to keep track of your wisdom teeth’s progress and have your teeth checked regularly. If left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause a number of issues in the mouth so it’s best to know your options as early as possible.
To make an appointment for wisdom teeth assessment and treatment contact Hawthorn Family Dental in Caulfield today. Our highly skilled dental practitioners will provide friendly and professional advice.
