Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect in New South Wales
Wisdom teeth are a set of molars that generally erupt in the back of a person’s jaw between the ages of 17 and 25. For most people, wisdom teeth emerge naturally and occupy space without trouble, however, in some cases, they may grow unnaturally and cause pain and discomfort. In such cases, extracting the wisdom tooth may be necessary to prevent further damage to neighbouring teeth. In this blog, Northern Beaches Dental explains wisdom tooth extraction process and the wisdom teeth healing process.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction?
You may require a wisdom tooth extraction procedure if:
● Your wisdom teeth are impacted, which means that they are trapped in the jaw or gums and are causing pain
● They have erupted at an abnormal angle and are pressing against neighbouring teeth in the jaw
● The mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate the new teeth, leading to overcrowding.
● Abnormal growth of wisdom teeth has made them difficult to clean, causing severe tooth decay or gum disease.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Process
At Northern Beaches Dental, a team of experienced dental surgeons ensure that the wisdom tooth removal process is painless and completed in just about an hour.
First, the dental surgeon will determine the type of anesthesia needed to guarantee a painless experience. In most cases, a local anesthetic is used to completely numb the area. For patients who experience dental anxiety, nitrous oxide is available to reduce stress. If required, IV sedation may be used in combination with a local anesthetic to induce drowsiness or sleep so that the procedure is absolutely comfortable.
For complex wisdom tooth surgery, general anesthesia may be required so that the dentist can perform the surgery without causing the patient any distress.
Once the patient is sedated, the dentist will make a precise incision in the gums to expose the teeth and bones and perform an extraction using special dental tools. The incisions are stitched to help with the wisdom teeth healing process and gauze pads are placed over the site to control bleeding.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Recovery
For most patients, the wisdom teeth surgery recovery time is about three to four days. During this time, your dentist will provide you with clear instructions on how to care for the wound. Here are some do’s and don’ts that improve recovery time for wisdom teeth.
Do’s
● Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling
● Gently move the jaw up and down to stimulate healing
● Consume soft foods and avoid chewy, sugary or acidic foods
● Drink plenty of water
● Do not brush your teeth on the first day, and avoid contact with the blood clot in the wound
● Be sure to take all medication as prescribed by the dentist
● Report any severe pain, fever or increased swelling to the dentist
Don’ts
● Do not rinse your mouth with too much force and use a mild solution of salt water whenever possible
● Do not drink through a straw as the force of the liquid entering the mouth can disturb the wound
● Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption until the wound has healed
Complex Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedures in Sydney
If abnormal wisdom teeth are causing you pain and affecting your ability to eat and speak, you may need a wisdom teeth removal surgery. Contact Northern Beaches Dental with all your questions related to tooth extraction and recovery.