What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to erupt in your mouth. Typically, these teeth erupt anywhere between 18 and 35 years of age. Sometimes wisdom teeth erupt in a completely uncomplicated fashion and never require removal. Other times, they erupt in an aberrant fashion or only partially erupt, causing added risk to the health of the surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth often cause the most problems and are usually associated with pain and infection. We don’t recommend ignoring impacted wisdom teeth, especially as your mouth can function perfectly without them.
Problems wisdom teeth can cause
Problems with wisdom teeth typically come about because they just don’t fit in our mouth. Over time, humans’ jaws have become smaller. The growth in our jaws also slows down significantly when we’re around 18, with many wisdom teeth appearing after this point. Leaving affected wisdom teeth to their own devices may cause some of the following dental problems:
- Persisting infection, which can lead to severe facial swelling and discomfort
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease to surrounding teeth
- Cysts around the wisdom tooth or under the gum
- Movement of teeth into less optimal positions as a result of overcrowding
What to expect during your wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal can follow a slightly different process for each patient based on their individual scenario. For example, some wisdom teeth are simple extractions that can be done under local anaesthetic, whereas others may require a surgical procedure under general anaesthetic. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your options with you and explain the process to you in detail.
Here’s what to expect during a general wisdom tooth extraction:
Pre extraction
As your dentist would have told you all you need to know about your wisdom tooth removal in your initial consultation, you’ll be fully aware of what to expect when arriving at your appointment. This means you can relax knowing you’re not in for any nasty surprises!
Before your dentist starts any part of the removal process, they will numb the area with local anaesthesia, unless you’re having your procedure under general anaesthesia. Either way, the numbing, sleeping, sedating part happens at the very start of the appointment, so you can get comfortable right away.
During extraction
What exactly happens during your wisdom teeth extraction can depend on whether your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, partially erupted or are still completely beneath your gum. For a wisdom tooth that is beneath the gum, a small incision may be required to access it. Sometimes, wisdom teeth may need to be cut into smaller pieces so they are easier to remove.
If you’re having your wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthesia, it’s perfectly normal to feel a slight pressure in the area. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort though, as the area will be numb.
Post extraction
If your dentist made an incision to remove your wisdom teeth, you may require a couple of stitches to help your gum heal. You’ll need to bite down on a piece of gauze for a bit to stop any bleeding. Your dentist will provide you with specific information regarding your aftercare. You can expect to have to steer clear of rinsing out your mouth and exercising for the first 24 hours post your wisdom tooth extraction. It’s also a great idea to be gentle with the extraction sites during their initial stages of healing.
One of our friendly team members will check up with you in the first 24 – 48 hours to make sure your recovery is off to a good start. You’ll usually see your dentist in about a fortnight for a follow-up appointment.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Pennant Hills trusts
Do my wisdom teeth need to be taken out?
Not all wisdom teeth cause problems and require removal. The best way to know if your wisdom teeth require removal is to book in for a wisdom tooth assessment with one of our knowledgeable Pennant Hills dentists. They can conduct a thorough oral examination and take x-rays if required, to determine the exact position and size of your wisdom teeth and identify if extraction is the best option for you.
Below, you can find some of the common symptoms you may experience when you have impacted wisdom teeth:
- Tenderness and pain towards the back of your jaw: Often one of the first things you may notice with your wisdom teeth is a new (and unpleasant) sensation towards the back of your mouth. You may begin to feel sensitivity, pain or even throbbing in the area and a general tenderness when eating and brushing your teeth.
- Gum redness and swelling: When your wisdom teeth begin to erupt, they can agitate your gums. This can result in red, inflamed areas along your gum line, which are usually sore to touch and therefore difficult to keep clean.
- Appearance of cysts: If you ignore problematic wisdom teeth for long enough, you may notice fluid-filled sacs appear around the base of your gums. Cysts can be toxic to your dental health, damaging the roots of surrounding teeth.
- Jaw pain and stiffness: When wisdom teeth erupt, they can begin to shift your other teeth and create movement in your jawline. This can lead to jaw pain and stiffness, which may make it difficult to open your mouth.
- Sinus issues: Unbeknownst to many, wisdom teeth can affect your sinuses. Persistent congestion or painful sinuses can highlight that your wisdom teeth may require removal.
- Bad breath: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it difficult to clean your mouth properly, with misaligned gum tissue to collect and trap food debris and bacteria. Over time, this bacteria releases sulphur compounds which can leave you with bad breath and a horrible taste in your mouth.
- Crooked teeth: One of the most common side-effects of impacted wisdom teeth is overcrowding, leading to misaligned teeth. If your wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, they can push against other teeth, causing them to shift over time.
