Where’s the wisdom in removing wisdom teeth?
Most people associate wisdom teeth with pain and uncomfortable and expensive surgery.
So where exactly is the wisdom in removing these teeth anyway?
Here are the top three reasons for removing wisdom teeth:
- They are impacted (this basically means they are growing the wrong way, and if left, could potentially cause damage to other teeth or surrounding structures)
- There isn’t enough space for them to come through properly, which could lead to decay, pain and infection
- The tooth or teeth is decayed, or there is an infection around the gums surrounding the teeth. This can be very painful, and if left, could cause a severe facial swelling which could land you in hospital.
Does it even matter when you get the teeth out?
YES! It definitely does! Wisdom teeth are often large, far back in the mouth, and can have a complex root anatomy (think all sorts of curves and kinks), which can make them difficult to remove when fully developed.
If the teeth are removed BEFORE these roots fully develop, they are a lot easier to remove, resulting in less pain, shorter recovery, and most importantly, less chance of nerve damage.
Also, the older you are when you have your wisdom teeth out, the denser your jaw bone is. This makes it more difficult to take the teeth out, and also increase the risk of fracturing part of the tooth or root, which could make the surgery more complex.
If it’s not hurting, can’t I just leave them?
Leave them at your own risk! Just because there isn’t any pain now does not guarantee there won’t be any in the future! Your dentist can give you an idea of how likely it is that you will get complications in future by looking at the tooth and also assessing it on a full mouth xray (OPG).
If your tooth is impacted against another one, you run a high risk of getting decay affecting both the wisdom tooth and the other tooth too. Worst case scenario, you could potentially lose two teeth, not just one. (See image below)
How will I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
The wisdom teeth erupt in the mouth at around the 18-21 year range. We recommend a full mouth x-ray (OPG) if you haven’t already had one prior to 18 years of age. This way we can gauge how much space you have in your mouth and whether the wisdom teeth will grow properly. You may even be one of the lucky ones and be born without wisdom teeth. People can be born with 1, 2, 3, or 4 wisdom teeth.
What would happen next?
Depending on the degree of difficulty, the dentists at our Perth dental practice will assess each patient’s case individually. Not all wisdom teeth are created equal! For example, upper wisdom teeth tend to be easier to remove as they often have only one or two roots. Most general dentists would be able to remove such teeth with ease. Lower wisdom teeth, however, are generally a lot more difficult and may require surgery to remove.
Why do I need to see an Oral Surgeon?
Oral surgeons are experts in the field of removing teeth. Most wisdom teeth are removed by Oral Surgeons under General Anaesthetic at a hospital.
If the removal of your wisdom teeth is not complex, you do not necessarily have to go to a hospital to have the teeth removed. Ultimately, it is the patients decision as to what they are comfortable with. If the surgery is not difficult and the patient is happy to do so, the teeth may be removed in the dental chair.
For complex cases, we strongly recommend seeing an Oral Surgeon and having the teeth removed under General Anaesthesia. It is normally done as a day surgery. Many people feel more comfortable having the surgery done while they are asleep.
How much down time will I need?
Recovery time varies with people, but generally most people need 3-5 days to recover. When you wake up, you will be very numb and sore. You will be given adequate pain relief. Because your mouth is numb and sore, it is recommended you have soft foods to eat and plenty of fluids that are not too warm. Your face may be a bit swollen for the next few days, but this, as well as the pain improves with time.
If you have any questions or queries about wisdom teeth surgery, please call our Claremont dental practice on 6143 5655 or book now here.
