How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are removed in the dental chair under anaesthetic.

Wisdom teeth usually erupt in the late teens and early twenties, and can, unfortunately, cause a number of problems. The good news is that wisdom teeth can be extracted in a relatively simple dental procedure, which can go a long way in relieving pain and improving overall oral health. Read on to find out what the treatment involves, and when it is necessary…

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth may be extracted for a number of reasons. If they do not fully erupt, wisdom teeth become impacted. This means that the wisdom teeth can become trapped in the gums or jawbone, which can lead to severe pain.

Your dentist may also recommend that you have your wisdom teeth extracted if they erupt at the incorrect angle. When wisdom teeth come in at a crooked angle, they can push against the surrounding teeth and lead to a number of issues.

A wisdom teeth extraction is often necessary when the mouth is not big enough to accommodate the new teeth.

What does the procedure involve?

Before you undergo treatment, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic. This means that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself.

Your dentist will then carefully remove your wisdom teeth. They may need to cut your gums and/or jawbone in order to extract the teeth. In some cases, the teeth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before they are removed. Once the teeth have been extracted, the incisions will be stitched closed, and gauze will be placed in your mouth in order to manage post-surgical bleeding.

How long does recovery take?

Once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, you may feel some discomfort. You are also likely to experience some swelling near the site of surgery. These side effects should resolve with time, and your dentist will recommend some medications to help ease any pain that you feel. Within a few days, your mouth should feel more comfortable and any swelling should subside.

During the first few days following your wisdom teeth extraction, it is advisable that you eat soft foods that require minimal chewing. Some good options include soups, soft pasta, mashed fruits and vegetables, and smoothies. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated and aid the recovery process.

During the recovery process, it is important that you avoid eating foods that are particularly hard, sticky or crunchy as these can irritate your surgical wounds.

If your pain and swelling do not resolve within a few days, be sure to let your dentist know as soon as possible.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of dentistry services, including wisdom teeth extractions. If you are suffering from pain and discomfort caused by your wisdom teeth, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can provide you with a personalised treatment plan.

If you are struggling with jaw pain; bad breath; headaches; swollen gums; or difficulty opening your mouth, it is possible that you would benefit from a wisdom teeth extraction.

If you would like to find out more about the wisdom teeth extraction process, please consult our website here.

We also offer a comprehensive range of other treatments, including children’s; cosmetic; restorative; general; sedation; and laser dentistry. We also offer orthodontic solutions and treatments for tongue ties. To find out more about our services and how we can help you, please take a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please give us a call on 07 4638 5111 or get in touch with us here. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice, which boasts modern facilities and allows us to conduct each and every treatment with complete confidence. We value your comfort and health and take care to make sure that your needs are taken care of.