Why Do We Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Problems with wisdom teeth generally arise because they simply don’t fit in our jaws. This is because they erupt at an age when most of the teeth have already grown, and the lack of space makes it difficult for them to come out. As a result, wisdom teeth can get stuck in your jawbone or gum tissue, leaving the tooth partially exposed.
Recurring infection and pain is the most common symptom of an impacted wisdom tooth because of the increased risk of plaque and bacteria getting into the tooth. This can lead to problems such as:
● Tooth decay or gum disease
● Decay or gum disease to adjacent teeth
● Poor oral hygiene, as food and debris can get trapped behind wisdom teeth
● In rare cases, cysts can occur around the tooth under the gum
In such cases, it’s generally recommended to extract the wisdom tooth before it can cause further damage to your teeth or lead to more complications and pain.
What is Involved in a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The first step before a wisdom tooth extraction is a comprehensive evaluation to assess the complexity of your case. This involves an oral examination with X-rays to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you. Sedation and anaesthetic options will also be discussed with you so that you have a clear picture of the procedure.
The procedure and recovery time depends on your specific situation. For some, it may take half an hour if the tooth is fully erupted. Whereas for other patients, it may take longer if the tooth is deep inside the gum tissue and the teeth and bone are blocking it. The area is numbed before the extraction and the procedure is generally painless.
The recovery time after the operation depends on how complex the wisdom teeth removal was. Over the counter pain medication may be sufficient to manage the pain, but in many cases, you will be prescribed stronger medication. Generally after 3-4 days, the discomfort in your wisdom teeth should have subsided.
You can expect some bleeding at the extraction site after the operation, as incisions were made and teeth and possibly bone was removed. There is also likely to be some swelling and bruising around your cheeks, which should disappear after a few days. Our dentists will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you have a speedy recovery, so you can resume your normal routine as quickly as possible.
If the pain or discomfort doesn’t start to improve or gets worse after 3-4 days following your wisdom teeth removal, please visit our clinic without delay.
Beat Wisdom Tooth Pain with Our Bayside Dentists
Wisdom tooth pain should not be ignored or treated without visiting the dentist. If ignored, it can lead to many oral problems with the potential of causing damage to your existing healthy teeth.
Our caring dentists have helped many patients with problematic wisdom teeth. With the latest dental techniques and extensive screening and consultation, we evaluate the risks and recommend treatments that prioritise your oral well being and overall health.
