Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth (or third molars) often cause problems and pain if there is insufficient room for them to grow through, therefore, it may be advisable to remove all or some of your wisdom teeth.

There can be several factors for a dentist to suggest your wisdom tooth removal. The usual factors include tooth decay, infection and to create space to facilitate movement of the other teeth. It is also removed to prevent the cheek and the gum from being damaged.

The Dentists at Tower Dental will do everything we can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the removal process.

When do I know that it is time for wisdom tooth removal?

Usually, our wisdom teeth come through in late teens or early 20s. Some people never develop these teeth. Again, some people develop as many as 4 wisdom teeth – one at each mouth corner.

Normally, wisdom teeth eruption is a smooth, hassle-free procedure. But if your mouth can’t provide enough space for them to grow, they become impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth makes you suffer from swelling, pain, infection and even provides damage to the neighbouring teeth.

Suspended food particles and plaque buildup are more likely to affect an impacted wisdom tooth. However cautious you may be in maintaining oral hygiene, yet it is difficult to avoid these typical problems with impacted wisdom teeth.

The problems of plaque buildup and suspended food particles are likely to lead you to greater complexities like the following:

  • Tooth decay: Harmful bacteria present in the plaque affects the outer enamel covering. Gradually, in advanced stages, decay spreads to the surrounding teeth.
  • Gum disease: The plaque buildup creates toxins that constantly irritate the gum tissues. Gradually, the gums turn reddish, swollen and painful. This problem spreads quickly and affects a greater area in your mouth.
  • Pericoronitis: It is the typical condition of gum inflammation surrounding the wisdom tooth.
  • Cellulitis: This is a kind of bacterial infection, affecting the tongue, cheek and the throat.
  • Abscess: This dental condition develops from a bacterial infection that leads to puss formation and affects both the wisdom tooth and the surrounding tissues.

Our dental experts at Tower Dental usually prescribe over-the-counter antibiotics and mouthwashes to cure your problem. If the medication fails to resolve the issue, we remove your wisdom teeth to provide a permanent solution to your discomfort and pain.

How is wisdom teeth performed?

Before extracting the wisdom tooth, you will be administered with local anesthesia to make the surrounding areas numb. You may or may not feel a little pressure when the tooth is being extracted from the jawbone.

In complex cases, the dental surgeon may have to make a tiny incision on the gum to get access to the tooth top. A wisdom tooth is also known to cut into pieces before being removed from the jawbone.

The time length of the procedure varies from individual to individual, depending on the level of complexity. In some cases, it may take just a few minutes, while it can last up to half an hour for some other individuals.

In some cases, you may need to have your teeth removed by a specialist (Oral Surgeon).  We can arrange for a referral to one of our local specialists.

Are there any tips to avoid complications in wisdom tooth removal?

  • Apply an ice pack at home for the next 24 hours to avoid swelling.
  • Slowly open and close the mouth to facilitate circulation of blood in the jaws.
  • Avoid brushing the teeth after the wisdom tooth extraction. Follow this till you’re tipped to resume it.
  • Keep the mouth hydrated by sipping in a gulp of water every 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Stick to the medication prescribed by your oral surgeon.

How long it takes to recover from wisdom tooth removal?

Usually, it takes about 3 to 4 days for complete recovery. However, in complex cases, recovery can be slow and can linger for about 2 weeks or even more. The time length of recovery depends on how badly the wisdom tooth was impacted while erupting.

For more information or to book for Wisdom Tooth removal in Balwyn please call Tower Dental today.

For wisdom teeth removal near Kew, Camberwell, Hawthorn, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert & Deepdene, we're only a phone call away.