Wisdom teeth removal on the Gold Coast
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your final teeth to erupt. The molars emerge at the back of your mouth in a process that can be very painful. Often, there is not enough room to accommodate them.
What age do wisdom teeth come through?
Wisdom teeth generally emerge in your mid-late teens, or early twenties. That is, if you even have them. Not all people will grow wisdom teeth, and not all will require them to be extracted. Each case is unique!
Extraction methods
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction follows the same procedure as an extraction for any other tooth. The area is sedated so you won’t feel the pain, then you dentist will use specialised tools to remove the tooth from the socket.
Surgical Extraction
For wisdom teeth that are yet to fully erupt, the removal process is more difficult and will need to take place in a hospital. You might expect a longer recovery period with a surgical removal, as it requires making an incision in the gum to retrieve the tooth.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is implemented in order to correct existing problems or to prevent future difficulty that can be caused by wisdom tooth growth. The jaw is often not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth, and they can become impacted, unable to break through the gums or can emerge at an awkward angle. Wisdom teeth can partially break the gum line, at which point a flap of gum tissue grows over them, creating a pocket where food and germs can become trapped and lead to infection. Removal of wisdom teeth resolves these problems, prevents potential infection and reduces crowding of the teeth.
Is it necessary to pull wisdom teeth?
In most cases, yes, it is necessary to pull wisdom teeth. Impacted or infected wisdom teeth that are left untreated can lead to serious health problems, including cysts, and can damage your surrounding bone or teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal recovery
Recovery usually only takes a few days, though painkillers (combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen) are often prescribed. Symptoms such as bleeding or swelling are managed with regular gauze replacement, cold compresses, and warm salt water rinses. You will be advised to rest and relax after surgery, eat soft foods for a few days, and keep the mouth clean.
Wisdom teeth removal on the Gold Coast
If you need your wisdom teeth removed, talk to the team at Gold Coast Dental Studio about your options today.