In most cases, wisdom teeth or the third set of molars eventually require removal, typically due to tooth crowding. This is especially true if wisdom teeth are impacted, when they erupt at an angle, or only partially.
Ultimately, wisdom teeth that are trapped within the gums may eventually result in serious dental health related problems. This can include everything from damaged surrounding teeth to infection and pain.
Fortunately, oral surgery and the extraction techniques associated with impacted wisdom teeth removal can produce remarkable results for patients in today’s modern world of dentistry. At Smiles Nambour we are your first and best stop for all your dental concerns, including issues with your wisdom teeth.
Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
It’s not necessary for you to get your wisdom teeth removed if they are correctly positioned in your mouth and do not cause any pain or dental problems, but nearly 65% of us have wisdom teeth and about 85% of those eventually need extraction. If they are impacted and/or cause crowding in your teeth, a dentist will normally recommend that you have them removed.
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that cannot come through your jaw properly. They normally get stuck below the surface of your gum line and are horizontal instead of standing upright like they are supposed to. Sometimes they sprout sideways and towards an existing tooth. Keeping an impacted wisdom tooth that does not completely erupt can cause plaque and bacteria to accumulate. This promotes the development of cavities and can lead to an infection that affects more than just your teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can collide with the roots of your molars, which can be extremely painful. While your impacted wisdom tooth is trying to erupt, it can wear down the adjacent tooth and lead to several dental issues. If you do not remove your wisdom teeth, be careful to floss your teeth on a consistent basis, getting all the way to the back teeth. And be sure to use a mouthwash recommended by Smiles Nambour.
The Steps in Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Unless the procedure is very complicated it is usually performed in our Smiles Nambour office. You may have the surgery in a hospital, particularly if you are having multiple wisdom teeth pulled or are at high risk for complications.
If you have an existing infection, extraction can be delayed until the infection has been treated. In this case your doctor or dentist will likely have you take antibiotics to help heal the infection before an extraction can be performed.
Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. In complicated cases, or if several teeth are being removed at once, a general anaesthetic may be used. A general anaesthetic prevents pain anywhere in the body, causing you to sleep through the procedure. Your dentist will probably recommend that you don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery so that you are prepared for the anaesthetic.
Your dentist will fold back the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone covering the tooth. Your dentist will separate the tissue holding the tooth to the bone and then extract the tooth. Sometimes the dentist will break the tooth into smaller pieces to make removal easier.
After the extraction, you may need stitches. Most stitches dissolve over time, while some are “permanent” and need to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed, and if they are you will be given a short appointment. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound can help stop the bleeding, and your dentist will give you detailed instructions on post-extraction care including what is safe to eat, how to sleep safely, and ways to relieve pain or swelling.
Other Wisdom Tooth Treatment
Even if your wisdom teeth are fine, they often need a bit of care. Regular and careful flossing is a key element of this.
Permanent molars are likely to have deep fissures and grooves. These are therefore most at need of protecting. Sealants can protect molars in children and adults can also have tooth sealants applied. This is commonly carried out on wisdom teeth when they come through into the mouth.
In any case, whatever treatment you need, it’s available at Smiles Nambour!
Dentistry at Smiles Nambour
If you need a dental checkup or treatment, it’s critical to find a dentist who offers what you need and can assuage your anxiety. At Smiles Nambour we are happy to sit down with you and talk about any treatments you might want or need!
At Smiles Nambour, we provide top-quality dentistry with the help of cutting-edge instruments and caring staff!
A visit to Smiles Nambour is an investment in your dental health and attractive smile!
Call us today on (07) 5240 9410 or book your appointment online.
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