What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people may experience no issues, these teeth can sometimes cause significant problems, including pain, crowding, and infection.
As our jaw matures, there may be insufficient space for wisdom teeth to emerge correctly. This can result in issues such as the tooth becoming trapped beneath the gums or growing at an improper angle. In these cases, extracting the wisdom tooth may be necessary to relieve discomfort and minimise the risk of infection or damage to adjacent teeth.
How can I tell if my wisdom teeth are coming in?
Detecting the early signs of wisdom teeth emergence can help you take the right steps to protect your oral health. Watch for these five common symptoms:
Jaw pain
A frequent sign of emerging wisdom teeth is a dull ache or soreness at the back of the jaw. As the teeth push through, they can exert pressure on surrounding teeth and jawbones, leading to intermittent discomfort that may intensify over time.
Tender or swollen gums
The growth of wisdom teeth can irritate the gums, causing them to become tender, red, and inflamed. This can make chewing or biting down uncomfortable.
Difficulty opening your mouth
As wisdom teeth emerge, you might find it hard to fully open your mouth. This restriction is often due to swelling or pressure from the growing teeth.
Unpleasant taste or smell
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where food particles and bacteria collect, leading to an unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath.
Crowding or shifting of teeth
The arrival of wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, causing them to crowd or shift. This misalignment can affect your bite and might require orthodontic treatment.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Superior Smiles to make an appointment to see our team of experienced dentists to check on your wisdom teeth.
You might require wisdom teeth extraction if:
- You are struggling with frequent or severe gum infections
- There is noticeable tooth decay
- There is damage to the cheek or gum from an improperly growing tooth
- There is a need for jaw surgery to reposition the jaw
- You are having difficulty cleaning the tooth properly due to its position
- There is the presence of a cyst near the tooth or other jaw issues
- There are alignment issues with a potential jaw fracture
Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to significant pain and compromise your health. At our Fremantle clinic, we conduct a thorough examination before suggesting wisdom tooth removal. This approach allows us to evaluate symptoms, address any underlying issues, manage infections if present, and offer precise treatment to ensure long-term relief and maintain a healthy smile.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Superior Smiles to make an appointment to see our team of experienced dentists to check on your wisdom teeth. We are happy to advise on a treatment plan for you, and help you prepare for wisdom teeth removal. (link to blog: https://superiorsmiles.com.au/wisdom-teeth-removal-preparation/)
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction
Typically, you can resume your usual activities the day after having your wisdom teeth removed. However, if the extraction was particularly complex or if you received general anesthesia, you might need to take 1 to 3 days off work.
In the two weeks following your procedure, you may experience:
- Pain and swelling, which should start to improve after 1 or 2 days
- Possible bruising on your cheek
- Soreness and stiffness in your jaw
- Discomfort while chewing and swallowing
If stitches are used, they will dissolve on their own. A blood clot will form over the extraction site to aid in healing.
We will provide you with specific care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery during the initial days post-surgery
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t experience any pain during the procedure. You might feel some pressure as the tooth is extracted, but the anesthesia ensures the process is pain-free.
After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some pain and discomfort. However, this can typically be managed with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief. Any discomfort should gradually decrease in the days following the extraction
To enhance your comfort during the procedure, you may be provided with:
- Penthrox: This is the ‘green whistle’ paramedics use for inhaled analgesia.
- IV sedation (or twilight sedation): We can organise for an anesthetist to come to the practice and assist with sedation.
- Local anesthetic: To numb the area around the extraction site.
- General anesthesia: If the removal is particularly complex.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
When it comes to wisdom tooth removal, the choice between local and general anesthetic depends on the severity of the case and the number of teeth being extracted. The extraction process typically takes between ten minutes and an hour, depending on the circumstances.
Extraction under local anesthetic is suitable for straightforward cases where the tooth is visible and not causing major issues. Performed in our dental clinic, this procedure involves numbing the area with local anesthetic while you remain awake, though mild sedation may be offered for added comfort. Small forceps are used to loosen and remove the tooth, similar to a standard tooth extraction.
For patients needing multiple wisdom teeth removed, such as all four, it is common to address the upper and lower molars on one side in a single session and schedule a follow-up appointment for the other side. This helps reduce the discomfort and make pain more easily managed.
Wisdom tooth surgery with general anesthetic is reserved for more complex cases, such as when the tooth is impacted or there are other complications like obstructive roots. This procedure takes place at a hospital and requires general anesthetic, so you will be unconscious during the surgery. After cutting the gum to remove the tooth and any fragments, the area is disinfected and stitched up. Since this is typically a day procedure, you’ll need to arrange for transportation home.
Patients who require having all four wisdom teeth extracted, even if their case is not complex, may also opt for a general anesthetic in a hospital setting.
Our dentistry team at Superior Smiles will guide you in choosing the best approach and refer you to a specialist oral surgeon if necessary
IV sedation and oral surgeon available
At Superior Smiles we can perform a wide range of wisdom teeth removal procedures.
There is no need to be nervous about wisdom tooth extraction at Superior Smiles because we customise our dental care to fit your individual needs.
Our approachable dentists take the time to listen to your concerns and provide clear information about your treatment options, helping you make well-informed decisions. Your comfort and wellbeing are our top priorities, and we focus on tailoring every part of your care to support your health and ensure you maintain a vibrant, pain-free smile.