Wisdom Teeth Removal Banksia Grove
Our wisdom tooth extractions in Banksia Grove help address pain, infection, crowding or impacted wisdom teeth.
The removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure when patients have wisdom teeth pain, swelling, tooth decay or there is simply not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through, and are also referred to as the "third molars" or even "18-year-old molars". These four teeth - two on the top and two on the bottom - are located at the very back of the mouth.
Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and trouble for some young adults in their late teens and early twenties. In some cases, wisdom tooth removal may be the best solution to address pain, infections, and potential complications.
There is a certain percentage of the population who don't even have wisdom teeth, or not all four at least. This is perfectly normal, and not having wisdom teeth is hereditary.
For a small percentage of people, their wisdom teeth erupting is uneventful and without complications. And yet for others, their wisdom teeth can become painful and infected. In those cases, wisdom tooth removal may be the best option. If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, our dentists are here to help.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
Wisdom teeth that cannot fully come in are called impacted, which means they may erupt at an angle. In these cases, wisdom teeth can cause damage to surrounding teeth and soft tissue by exerting pressure on them. Some impacted teeth only partially erupt, creating a flap of gum tissue. Food and other debris can become trapped between the tissue flap and the tooth, resulting in an infection.
In teenagers and young adults, wisdom teeth can be monitored via dental x-rays before they erupt. These x-rays will show if your wisdom teeth are present below the gum line and if there is room in your mouth for them to come in. In some cases, dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal even if you aren't yet having discomfort or pain.
Preparation for a tooth extraction
You will need to have a consultation with your dentist to confirm that your pain and discomfort is caused by your teeth. If you are having the procedure under general anaesthesia, your dentist will give you instructions on how long you need to fast for before surgery.
You will also need to organise for someone to pick you up, as you shouldn't drive after having general anaesthesia or sedatives.
Tooth extraction recovery
Your dentist will give you personalised post-op instructions, but there are also some general guidelines you should follow. After your teeth are removed, jaw swelling; pain; and some bleeding are normal. Using ice packs can help to reduce swelling and if bleeding does occur, apply pressure with clean gauze.
The wisdom tooth removal procedure
At Banksia Grove Family Dental, we can assess and extract your wisdom teeth before they start to cause more problems. If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain or discomfort, our caring team is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Dry socket is a complication that can occur after any tooth removal. When teeth are extracted, a blood clot forms over the extraction site. This clot protects bones and nerve endings. If the clot doesn't form or later becomes dislodged, a dry socket can result.
Dry socket typically occurs 1-3 days after your wisdom teeth are removed, and symptoms include:
- Severe pain that gets worse and is not lessened by medication.
- Pain radiating on the same side of your face as the extraction.
- Bad taste or odour in the mouth.
- Seeing visible bone.
On average the recovery time for a tooth extraction is 1-2 weeks. However, most people can back to their normal routine within 3-5 days.
Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to keep your comfortable while you heal.
The cost of tooth extraction varies, depending on how difficult they are to remove, where the procedure is performed and who performs it. Delaying tooth removals can lead to more complications, resulting in not only pain but additional costs.
Remove the pain and protect your smile with a tooth extraction
Our experienced dentists perform safe and comfortable tooth extractions to treat damaged, infected, or overcrowded teeth. If you’re ready to relieve discomfort and restore your smile’s health, book an appointment today.