Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Bacchus Marsh, Melton & Ballan
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in and often do not emerge until early adulthood. Sometimes these teeth can bring problems, especially if the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the full set of teeth. While they may not affect everyone, recognising when there is a problem can help you avoid future pain and complications.
Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It is a common practice to have wisdom teeth removed before problems begin. Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, interfering with the bite or spacing of the other teeth, especially in adults whose jaws are already done growing. Unfortunately, this could create a need for braces that didn’t exist before. Some wisdom teeth grow in sideways, leading to costly and sometimes painful dental surgery. In either case, prevention is the best option.
Wisdom teeth that don’t grow in properly can lead to other problems as well. Because they are far back in the mouth, they can be easy to miss and difficult to clean properly, leading to cavities and infections. A dental exam and x-rays can catch these problems early to avoid future complications.
Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It is a common practice to have wisdom teeth removed before problems begin. Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, interfering with the bite or spacing of the other teeth, especially in adults whose jaws are already done growing. Unfortunately, this could create a need for braces that didn’t exist before. Some wisdom teeth grow in sideways, leading to costly and sometimes painful dental surgery. In either case, prevention is the best option.
Wisdom teeth that don’t grow in properly can lead to other problems as well. Because they are far back in the mouth, they can be easy to miss and difficult to clean properly, leading to cavities and infections. A dental exam and x-rays can catch these problems early to avoid future complications.
Common Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Due to the position, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of infection that can spread and lead to worse health problems. Pain in the jaw is often the first indication of problematic wisdom teeth. Pain can affect the upper or lower jaw, and sometimes radiate to the face, muscles and surrounding structures. The pain could be excruciating. Often an erupting wisdom tooth may cause inflamed, swollen and painful tissue around the area of the mouth. Sometimes the symptoms will subside after a few days, but they will re-occur again and again, until your wisdom teeth are removed.
In addition, Wisdom teeth are usually the most difficult teeth to remove in the whole mouth, therefore it is not recommended to wait until they become painful. Usually by then the teeth are so infected and broken down they will subsequently require an dentist to remove, and cannot be treated effectively on the day of your emergency dental visit.
Lastly, it is not recommended to wait and remove your wisdom teeth when you are elderly. Usually the elderly heal slower, the jaw is much more fragile, and the teeth have been in the mouth for so long that the procedure becomes much more difficult. Therefore most of the times we recommend wisdom teeth removal when you’re young and healthy to prevent any future problems.
Some changes to the mouth or teeth that may indicate removal is necessary include:
Pain
Impaction of wisdom teeth
Bad taste/bad breath
Pockets around wisdom tooth that trap food or debris, leading to decay and infection
Recurring infection in or around the area of the wisdom teeth
Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs
Before braces or invisalign treatment
Extensive tooth decay of wisdom teeth
Common Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Due to the position, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of infection that can spread and lead to worse health problems. Pain in the jaw is often the first indication of problematic wisdom teeth. Pain can affect the upper or lower jaw, and sometimes radiate to the face, muscles and surrounding structures. The pain could be excruciating. Often an erupting wisdom tooth may cause inflamed, swollen and painful tissue around the area of the mouth. Sometimes the symptoms will subside after a few days, but they will re-occur again and again, until your wisdom teeth are removed.
In addition, Wisdom teeth are usually the most difficult teeth to remove in the whole mouth, therefore it is not recommended to wait until they become painful. Usually by then the teeth are so infected and broken down they will subsequently require an oral surgeon to remove, and cannot be treated effectively on the day of your emergency dental visit.
Lastly, it is not recommended to wait and remove your wisdom teeth when you are elderly. Usually the elderly heal slower, the jaw is much more fragile, and the teeth have been in the mouth for so long that the procedure becomes much more difficult. Therefore most of the times we recommend wisdom teeth removal when you’re young and healthy to prevent any future problems.
Some changes to the mouth or teeth that may indicate removal is necessary include:
Pain
Impaction of wisdom teeth
Bad taste/bad breath
Pockets around wisdom tooth that trap food or debris, leading to decay and infection
Recurring infection in or around the area of the wisdom teeth
Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs
Before braces or invisalign treatment
Extensive tooth decay of wisdom teeth
What Age Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
While there is no designated age to have wisdom teeth removed, we do feel that removing them in the teenage years is ideal. In general, teenagers are stronger and healthier, and can recover quickly because the root of the tooth and jawbone have not completely grown.
When our professional dentists work with a patient, especially from an early age, we can monitor wisdom teeth and act as soon as possible. Early intervention often means an easier procedure and proper preparation to avoid complications. An x-ray can identify impacted wisdom teeth before they cause problems, or help identify when pain is due to a wisdom tooth cavity or infection. We can also help identify the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a less common problem exists, like a cyst or tumour.
Side Effects of Removal
Mild and moderate pain and swelling are the most common side effects of having your wisdom teeth removed, but depends on the details of the removal. Younger adults and teenagers recover quicker, with less side effects than older people and simple extractions are easier to recover from than dental surgery. Recovery time varies for each patient, but the average is three to four days. If you require dental surgery, recovery may take up to two weeks, but the patient can often get back to their normal routine within a few days. Talking to your dentist about what to expect can ensure you have the best recovery possible and avoid problems like dry socket or bacterial infections.
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal
We know that the price can be an issue for some, especially if extensive work is needed. To help, we are prepared to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Please refer to our Price list for more details
DOWNLOAD PRICE LIST
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal
We know that the price can be an issue for some, especially if extensive work is needed. To help, we are prepared to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Please refer to our Price list for more details
DOWNLOAD PRICE LIST
What to Expect
During your visit, an x-ray and full dental examination and evaluation will be done. We will determine the extent of any problems with your wisdom teeth and see if you require a simple extraction or dental surgery. Our team of professionals can coordinate a plan of action, and work together to find the right treatment that will be personalised for you. And to make your appointment as comfortable as possible, we offer choices:
Risks and Recovery
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure, but like all oral surgery, it has risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising in the days following surgery
- Minor bleeding during the initial healing period
- Infection at the extraction site
- Dry socket, where the blood clot dislodges and delays healing
- Nerve injury or sinus involvement, depending on tooth position
Recovery considerations:
- Initial healing usually occurs within one to two weeks
- A soft diet and plenty of rest are recommended during the early days
- Ice packs and prescribed medication can help manage swelling and discomfort
- Attending follow-up appointments supports safe and complete healing
Local anaesthesia can be applied with our minimal discomfort injections to the area of the extraction. During the extraction, you will remain awake, and your dentist will communicate with you during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable and secure the entire time.
Sedation dentistry may be an option for those with excess anxiety or require an extensive procedure. During your visit, you will receive a local anaesthetic to numb the gums and sedation to help you feel relaxed but not unconscious. This type of sedation can ensure the process is stress-free and can even dull any post-procedure pain.
Removing wisdom teeth can be done in a number of ways. Some people prefer to be sedated and have all four teeth removed at once. This may cause more discomfort during recovery and require you to stay on a soft diet for a few days. Other patients prefer to have one removed at a time. Your dentist will take x-rays and do a full evaluation to keep you informed of your best options.
Download Price List
While we agree that you can’t put a price on good health (especially when it comes to your teeth), we understand the reality of family budgets. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options and family-affordable pricing. You might say the only thing average about Dental House is our prices.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Blogs
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What Will I Feel Like After My Wisdom Teeth Removal?
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What Happens To Impacted Wisdom Teeth When Left Untreated?
I just saw a new patient Maria from Gisborne yesterday. She came to us because she has an impacted wisdom tooth, and it was causing…
FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Extraction
What are the main risks after a tooth extraction?
The most common risks are swelling, bleeding, infection, and dry socket. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions helps reduce these risks.
We’re Ready to Help
Call today for an appointment and see how we can help you. Our team of professionals here at Dental House is ready to provide you and your family the best possible and gentle experience in dentistry and dedicated to bringing you a solution that works.
Disclaimer: Information provided is general in nature. Individual circumstances and results vary. Please book a consultation for personalised advice.
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