Essential Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal and What to Expect

Wisdom teeth removal might sound scary, but it’s important for dental health. Let’s know why.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually appear in your late teens or early twenties.

They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they come in at a more mature age when you’re supposedly wiser.

While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many others experience complications due to their size or how they come in.

Essential Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

You might wonder, why bother removing wisdom teeth if they’re just another set of molars?

In actuality, wisdom teeth can cause many problems if they don’t emerge correctly or if there isn’t enough space in your mouth.

Some common issues include:

• Crowding: Our mouths often don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth to come in properly. When they try to push through, they can cause overcrowding, leading to crooked teeth or even damaging neighbouring teeth.
• Impaction: Sometimes, wisdom teeth can get stuck or impacted in the gums because there isn’t enough room to emerge fully. Pain, swelling, and even infections may result from this.
• Difficulty Cleaning: Wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth, making them hard to reach with a toothbrush. This may lead to gum disease and decay, harming wisdom and other teeth.
• Cysts and Tumours: In rare cases, cysts or tumours can form around impacted wisdom teeth, damaging the jawbone and surrounding teeth.

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Before undergoing wisdom teeth removal, a thorough evaluation by your dentist or oral surgeon is necessary. This typically involves:

Z Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, your Canley Heights dentist or oral surgeon will discuss your past and present health, check your mouth, and take some x-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and then decide on the right action.

Z Discussion of Risks and Benefits

Your dental professional will explain all the planned operation’s advantages and disadvantages, if any. They will also explain what you should do in preparation for the surgery, such as what food choices to avoid and what changes need to be made in medicines.

Z Preoperative Instructions

In the days before the surgery, you may be given specific preoperative instructions. These include avoiding certain foods and drinks, arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and ensuring you have a comfortable recovery space prepared at home.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Wisdom teeth removal is typically an outpatient procedure so you can go home on the same day.

Here’s a general overview:

ZAnaesthesia

• Local Anaesthesia: Numbs the area where the teeth will be removed.
• Sedation Anaesthesia: Administered through an IV line, keeping you calm and relaxed.
• General Anaesthesia: Used in complex cases to render you completely unconscious.

ZExtraction Process

After anaesthesia, the oral surgeon incurs the gum to expose the tooth and bone.

If the tooth is impacted, part of the bone covering it may need to be removed. The tooth is separated into parts for easier removal.

Post-extraction, the site is cleaned, possibly stitched, and covered with gauze to control bleeding and help form a blood clot.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare and Recovery

After wisdom teeth removal, recovery usually lasts several days to a week. During this time, following your dentist’s instructions carefully is essential to ensure proper healing.

This may include:

• Pain medicine should be taken as prescribed to manage any discomfort.
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling within the first 24 hours.
• Consume soft foods and avoid hot and spicy foods that could aggravate the extraction site.
• Taking a few days off from intense exercise will help your body to heal.

It’s also crucial to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Your Canley Heights dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or using a special mouthwash to keep the area clean.

Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Preventing Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause much pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat, speak, and sleep. Removing them can alleviate these issues.
• Preventing Infections: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Protecting Nearby Teeth: Wisdom teeth that don’t come in properly can push against neighbouring teeth, causing misalignment and damage.
• Avoiding Complications: Impacted wisdom teeth can occasionally result in more severe issues such as cysts, tumours, or harm to the jawbone.

Take Action for Your Dental Health!

Wisdom teeth removal might seem scary, but it’s crucial to maintaining dental health. Understanding the importance of removal and being proactive about oral health can prevent pain, infections, and other complications.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Canley Heights

If you have any symptoms associated with your wisdom teeth or haven’t had them checked recently, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist.

At Canley Heights Dental Care, we make every visit to the dentist affordable and as easy as possible for every patient.

Call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.

Visit at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.

Taking action now can save you from unnecessary pain and discomfort in the future.