Wisdom Teeth, also known as third molars, are the four last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth. Located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom, these teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In most cases, Wisdom Teeth erupt naturally, just as the other molars, and cause no problems. However, if a Wisdom Tooth doesn’t have room to grow, it may result in pain, infection or other Dental problems, and you will need to have it pulled out.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom Teeth Removal is done by a Dentist, maxillofacial surgeon or an oral surgeon. In some cases, to prevent potential future problems, some Dentist recommends Wisdom Tooth Extraction even if impacted teeth aren’t currently causing problems.
Your first consultation with our Dentist will include a detailed examination and treatment plan session. The potential risks of Wisdom Tooth Extraction will be reviewed by the Dentist. The oral surgeon will order an X-ray image to assess the situation of the Wisdom Tooth. If you have any infections, the surgery will have to be delayed until the infections are cleared up. Prior to the surgery, our Dentist will have to know about your medical history, including your current medications, to find out whether there are any known surgery/anaesthesia related problems, or if you are prone to heavy bleeding. Discontinuing prescription that thins the blood, such as aspirin is necessary prior to surgery.
Wisdom teeth extraction may need to be undertaken for adults. There can be pain, sensitivity, cavitation of wisdom teeth. They can also cause irritation of gums which can lead to chronic ulceration.
At Align Dentistry & Medical Centre we offer IV sedation in-house where all the 4 wisdom teeth can be extracted at the same appointment and the patient is still “awake but not aware” of the procedure.
It is recommended that you do not eat anything for eight hours or more before surgery. If it is single tooth extraction, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area, and the tooth will be removed. If several or all of your Wisdom Teeth are to be removed, IV sedation will be used which will cause you to sleep through the procedure.
Minor surgery is then performed where the tissue and bone around the Wisdom Tooth are removed so that the tooth can be extracted from the socket. The wound is then closed by dissolvable stitches which will promote the healing of the overlying tissue. A folded cotton gauze pad is placed over the wound that will help stop the bleeding.
The initial recovery and healing occur over about three to five days. It is normal to have slight bleeding and swelling at the site. Medication to ease the pain is often prescribed to help with any post-operative symptoms and discomfort. You will be asked to eat soft foods for a few days and avoid hot and spicy food. Complete healing of the gums may take three to four weeks.
Call us on (02) 9723 5757 for more information.
(02) 9723 5757