The third molars, most commonly called wisdom teeth, are four permanent adult teeth at the back corners on the top and bottom of your mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Why Do We Need To Remove Our Wisdom Teeth?
Some people develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don’t have enough space to erupt in the mouth or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt partially or not at all.
Impacted wisdom tooth may be removed for one of these reasons:
- They grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar).
- They grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth.
- They grow at a right angle to the other teeth as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone. They grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone.
In cases where the growth of the wisdom teeth is impacted, extraction must be performed. Removal of wisdom teeth is not like that of normal ones.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Them Removed?
You will likely experience a handful of complications when you delay the removal of your wisdom tooth, including:
- Severe pain
- Food and debris trapped behind or between the wisdom tooth
- Infection or gum disease
- Tooth decay in the partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Damage to surrounding teeth, tissues, or bones
- Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
- Complications with orthodontic treatments required to straighten other teeth
Procedure During The Surgery
If your tooth is seriously impacted or if the extraction requires an in-depth surgical approach, your dentist may suggest you see a dental surgeon.
During the extraction, your dentist will make the area numb with local anaesthetic; your surgeon may recommend sedatives to allow you to be comfortable during the procedure.
Anaesthetics are used depending on the complexity of the extraction and the level of your pain tolerance. Options include:
Local anaesthesia is administered with one or more injections near the site of each extraction. Before receiving an injection, your dentist or surgeon will likely apply a numbing substance to your gums.
You will be awake during the process of tooth extraction. Although you’ll feel some pressure and movement, you shouldn’t experience pain.
Sedation anaesthesia is administered through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. It suppresses your consciousness during the procedure.
You will not feel any pain and will have a limited memory of the process. You’ll also receive local anaesthesia to numb your gums.
General anaesthesia is administered by inhaling medication through your nose or having an IV line in your arm, or both, losing consciousness afterwards.
Your medicine, breathing, temperature, fluids, and blood pressure will be closely monitored. Local anaesthesia is also given to help with postoperative discomfort.
During the wisdom tooth extraction procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon:
- Cuts through your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone
- Takes out the bone that blocks entry to the tooth root
- Splits the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces
- Removes the tooth
- Cleans the site of the extracted tooth of any debris from the tooth or the bone
- Stitches the wound closed to promote healing
- Places gauze on the extraction site to help control bleeding and to help a blood clot form
After Surgery Care
Patients who undergo surgery typically recover after a week without any complications. Your recovery time will depend on the type of anaesthesia you choose, your diet during recovery period, and preventive measures for complications.
It is important to keep your head elevated for the first three days after the procedure. Never let your head tilt below your heart. Always remember that the site is a wound in your face and it needs healing. Use pillows to elevate your head when lying down on your bed.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Preston Supreme Dental
Wisdom tooth extractions performed at Preston Supreme Dental are guaranteed safe and effective. Your treatment plan is carefully tailored only for you!
Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available!
Call (03) 9478 7708 or visit us at 243 Murray Road in Preston.
Book Your Consultation Today! Book Below or
Call (03) 9478 7708
Book Online
Have Some Questions?
What Insurances Do You Accept?
All insurances are accepted with HICAPS. As a preferred provider for NIB, CBHS, HCF and Smile
Is there public transport available?
We are located across Woolworths Supermarket and beside Preston Market
Easily accessible via public transportation (bus stop within walking distance)