Are you aged between 11 and 17 and noticing discomfort in the back of your mouth? While we cannot say for certain without performing an examination, it is likely to be your wisdom teeth coming through!
At Glenside Dental, our general dentist Glenside has helped many patients who have emerging wisdom teeth cope with the associated issues and complications. Therefore, if it is needed, we can remove them for you!
In this brief guide, our general dentist Glenside answers common questions that we receive about having wisdom teeth removed. So, enjoy!
Why would wisdom tooth extraction be needed?
In most cases, our general dentist Glenside will aim to remove a wisdom tooth if its eruption is causing issues with surrounding teeth (impaction) or if it is creating problems with the jaw joint. In some cases, extraction is not needed and your 4 wisdom teeth can fit in your mouth without issue.
Is it uncomfortable?
It is unlikely that having a wisdom tooth extracted will cause discomfort, as our team will use a localised anaesthetic to numb the area.
Afterwards, when you are at home, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol to alleviate any discomfort. Although it can seem like a logical choice if you have post-operative swelling, you should not take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can cause the area to bleed more and prolong the healing time.
How long does it take?
As wisdom teeth are located right at the back of the mouth (and often have complicated root systems), it can take a little longer to remove them than a regular molar.
On average, a standard wisdom tooth without any additional roots etc can take around 45 minutes for our team to remove. If we suspect that it will take longer, we will discuss this with you prior to the surgery.
But don't worry! We will give you a localised anaesthetic so you won’t feel a thing!
Is the aftercare tricky?
In a word, no; having a wisdom tooth extracted is not really any different from having a regular tooth extracted and as such, the aftercare is very similar.
Refrain from brushing the area, eating hot or spicy foods and of course, taking pain relief as needed. If you spot signs of infection (swelling, discolouration, pus or discomfort), then contact our team for a same-day appointment.
Generally, most patients suffer no consequence post-extraction of wisdom teeth and are able to eat normally in less than a week.
How can I prevent dry socket?
After you have had your wisdom teeth removed, our team will weigh up the pros and cons of performing stitches to seal the wound.
If we choose to leave the wound open, this can increase the chances of you developing dry socket; this is where the clot that covers the open wound either doesn’t form, is disturbed or falls off altogether, causing the bone to be exposed to the air and cause discomfort.
How can you prevent this? By allowing the clot to form, calling our team if it fails to form within 24 hours, abstaining from smoking and prodding the open site with your tongue or toothbrush.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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