Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they are misaligned or impacted.
If your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal, you might be wondering what exactly you can expect from the procedure. Read on to find out more about wisdom teeth, when they should be removed, and what the procedure involves…
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that are located at the back of the mouth. Most people get their wisdom teeth in the late teenage years or in their early twenties. While some people don’t experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others suffer with misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth are misaligned, they can cause crowding in the mouth, as well as damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone. In the case of impaction, the wisdom teeth erupt only partially through the gum, or not at all. When the teeth partially erupt, there is a high risk of infection, which can be painful.
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
Although impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms, in the case of an infection, you may experience pain and swelling around the jaw, swollen and sensitive gums, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. You may also find that it is difficult to open your mouth because of the pain and swelling in your jaw. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see your dentist as soon as possible.
What does the procedure involve?
During a wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area. An incision will then be made in the gum tissue in order to expose the tooth and underlying bone. Any bone that is blocking access to the tooth root will be removed, and if necessary, the tooth will be broken into smaller sections so that it can be removed in pieces. The tooth is then carefully removed. The site of the removed tooth will then be cleaned and stitched closed.
What can you expect after the procedure?
Once your procedure is complete, it is quite normal to experience some bleeding at the site of surgery. Your dentist will place gauze over the extraction site, which will help to control the bleeding. You may also experience some pain as the effects of the anaesthesia wears off. Your dentist will recommend some over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort that you feel. You may also notice some swelling and bruising, which should subside in time.
It is best to eat soft foods only while your mouth heals from the procedure. Stick to lukewarm soups, smoothies, mashed fruits and vegetables and yoghurt while you recover. Avoid very hard and chewy foods, as well as spicy and hot foods that can cause irritation in the mouth.
How can we help?
At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer wisdom teeth removal for patients who are suffering from impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth. We often recommend that wisdom teeth are removed before they become a problem as this can help to avoid a more complicated surgery down the line. By removing wisdom teeth, it is possible to prevent them from damaging other healthy teeth. To find out more about wisdom teeth extraction at our practice, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.