Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in our late teens or early twenties. Located at the back of the jaws, they function just like normal teeth when healthy and properly aligned but may become problematic if they have insufficient space to emerge correctly.
At Geelong West Dental, we understand the issues and discomfort that impacted wisdom teeth may cause. That is why we offer comprehensive wisdom tooth removal services to help you achieve optimal oral health and comfort.
Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to provide personalised care to ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible.
What is the Process?
Step 1
Our highly skilled dentists will conduct an initial consultation to examine your teeth and assess whether a wisdom tooth removal procedure is necessary. They will also take a dental X-ray to properly assess the position and angulation of the wisdom teeth.
As the procedure may vary for every patient, your dentist will take you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have about the proposed treatment.
Step 2
On the appointed day, you may opt to undertake the procedure while conscious or sedated. Regardless, the dentist will start the procedure by administering local anaesthesia to numb the removal site.
Once profound numbness is achieved, an incision in the gum will be made to access the tooth or jawbone. Bone removal or tooth division may be required to facilitate complete tooth removal. Finally, the extraction site will be irrigated and stitched together to allow healing.
Step 3
After the procedure, our team will provide aftercare instructions to allow healing and minimise discomfort.
You may be scheduled for follow-up appointments with our dentists to check your healing progress and to remove any stitches, if required.
Here Are Some FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come through during adulthood. People typically have four wisdom teeth in total – one in each corner of your mouth – but some may have fewer or even none.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removing?
You should make an appointment to see a dentist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:You should make an appointment to see a dentist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort arising from your wisdom teeth
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Swelling or pain around the jaw
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
In certain cases, dentists may recommend that your wisdom teeth be taken out before any symptoms appear if they are likely to cause problems in the future.
Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they may grow at an odd angle or only be able to emerge partially. These are known as angulated or impacted wisdom teeth.
Food and bacteria may become trapped between the affected wisdom teeth and the teeth around them because proper cleaning may be very difficult. This may lead to pain and possible gum infection, as well as cavity formation if left long enough.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
With the use of local anaesthesia and sedation options, most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
For patients with dental fear or anxiety, we can also discuss wisdom tooth removal with sleep dentistry as a possible option for you.
How long does the recovery process take?
It is common to have swelling and discomfort for a few days up to two weeks. The stitches will either dissolve in a few weeks or (if non-dissolvable stitches are used) will be removed by our dentists in a follow-up appointment. The extraction site itself may take between two weeks to one month to heal. Meanwhile, complete healing of gums and bone may take up to six months.
Depending on the complexity of the extraction, most patients should be able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week. This will be longer for elderly or immunocompromised patients. Our dentists may prescribe pain relief medications to use for the recovery period.
What should I do or not do during the recovery period?
During recovery, keep the extraction site clean with simple saltwater rinses. A soft diet is highly recommended. Patients should avoid:
- Strenuous activity during the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom tooth extractions.
- Touching the extraction site, which may increase the risk of infection.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours.
However, the aftercare instructions may differ by individual, so please consult your dentist.
Are there any risks associated with wisdom tooth removal?
Our experienced dental team will take every precaution to minimise risks associated with wisdom tooth removal to ensure a safe outcome. However, some potential risks may include:
Trismus
Pain or tightness when opening the jaw. This is common immediately after wisdom teeth removal and should usually subside in about two weeks.
Dry socket (Alveolar Osteitis)
Painful inflammation that occurs when blood does not clot around the extraction socket, leaving the area open to air, bacteria and debris. Healing time will be delayed for another two weeks and may require medicated dressings. Smokers may have a higher risk of developing dry socket.
Nerve damage
Prolonged numbness in the lip, tongue, or cheek. This may occur if the wisdom teeth were located close to the inferior alveolar nerve canal.
Post-operative infection
Secondary infection after wisdom teeth removal. A course of antibiotics medication may need to be prescribed to manage the infection and will be discussed with you by our dentists.
We recommend considering different professional evaluations before proceeding with any dental treatment.
Why Choose Us
Patient-Centred Care
Our skilled dentists work with you to understand your dental needs and provide opportunities to ask questions and discuss your options before treatment.
Customised Treatment Plans
We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs and concerns.
Modern Dental Technology
We utilise the latest advancements in dental technology to ensure precise, efficient, and comfortable procedures.
Welcoming Environment
We are committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your visit.
Accessible Payment Options
We do our best to ensure that our wisdom tooth removal services are as accessible as possible by offering options such as interest-free payment plans for your convenience.