Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While they can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, they often cause issues that necessitate removal. At Ipswich Dental Specialists, we offer expert wisdom teeth removal to alleviate pain, prevent future complications, and maintain your overall oral health.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth – one in each corner. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, a time when the mouth may not have enough space to accommodate them. This can lead to a variety of problems, including impaction, crowding, or infection.
Why Might Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed due to:
- Impaction: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally, they can become trapped (impacted) within the jaw. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Crowding: The emergence of wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding or shifting of the existing teeth.
- Decay and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them prone to decay and gum disease.
- Cysts or Tumours: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumours, which may damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
- Recurrent Infection: Pericoronitis, an infection of the gum around the partially erupted wisdom tooth, can recur frequently if the tooth isn’t removed.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
1. Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced oral surgeon. We will review your dental history, take X-rays or 3D scans to assess the position of your wisdom teeth, and determine if removal is necessary.
2. Anaesthesia Options
During the procedure, we offer various anaesthesia options for your comfort, including local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your personal preferences.
3. Tooth Extraction
The extraction process will depend on whether the wisdom tooth is fully erupted or impacted. If the tooth is impacted, an incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. In some cases, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
4. Post-Extraction Care
Once the tooth is removed, we will clean the extraction site and, if necessary, place stitches to aid in healing. Gauze will be applied to control bleeding, and you will be given instructions on post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
5. Recovery and Follow-Up
You will receive a detailed aftercare plan, including tips on managing pain, swelling, and diet. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary.
What to Expect During Recovery
- Pain and Swelling: It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising for a few days after the extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage discomfort.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur for a few hours after the procedure. Biting down on gauze as directed can help control this.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or spicy foods for the first few days. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your mouth heals.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours, but avoid brushing the extraction site until it has begun to heal.
- Avoid Straws and Smoking: Refrain from using straws, spitting forcefully, or smoking for at least 72 hours to prevent dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Prevents Pain and Infection: Removing problematic wisdom teeth can alleviate pain and prevent recurrent infections.
- Protects Surrounding Teeth: Prevents damage to adjacent teeth and maintains proper alignment.
- Reduces Risk of Cysts or Tumours: Eliminates the risk of cysts or tumours developing around impacted teeth.
- Enhances Oral Hygiene: Makes brushing and flossing easier, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. If they are healthy, fully erupted, correctly positioned, and not causing any issues, they may not need to be extracted. Our dentist will assess your situation to determine the best course of action.
The procedure itself is not painful due to the anaesthesia provided. However, some discomfort and swelling are normal during the recovery period. Pain relief medications and proper aftercare will help manage any discomfort.
Most patients recover within a few days to a week. Complete healing of the extraction site can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the removal and individual healing factors.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing bone and nerves. You can help prevent this by avoiding smoking, drinking through straws, or spitting forcefully after surgery.
It is advisable to rest for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure. Depending on your comfort level and the nature of your job, you may return to work or school soon after. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days.
Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
No, once the wisdom teeth are removed, they cannot grow back. However, if a tooth was not fully removed or remnants were left behind, it might require further treatment.
Not removing problematic wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and other complications. Timely removal helps prevent these risks.
Trust Ipswich Dental Specialists for Safe and Effective Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Ipswich Dental Specialists, our skilled team is dedicated to providing safe, effective wisdom teeth removal with the utmost care and comfort. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or other issues with your wisdom teeth, contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your dental health is protected.
