Wisdom Tooth Removal Cannington

What are Wisdom Teeth, and When May Issues Arise?

Wisdom teeth usually surface between 17 and 25 years of age. Most adults possess four wisdom teeth – one at the far back on each side, upper and lower. However, genetics and ethnicity can see you inherit less or more, referred to as supernumerary teeth, which can also cause unexpected issues, which is why it’s best to explore what your circumstances are and if extraction is required. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, creating numerous potential health issues. If left, their roots can grow into other areas (such as the sinuses or close to facial nerves), which can make extraction more complex the longer they remain. This is why many patients choose to extract prior to such situations arising. Your Carousel Dental Centre consultant can x-ray the area to review your personal situation and guide you accordingly.

A Sign of Problems

Since the shape, size, number and position of wisdom teeth vary, there are a number of symptoms to watch for, including overcrowding, swelling, bleeding or pain. If you are considering braces or orthodontic measures to straighten your teeth, it is recommended that all wisdom teeth are removed to avoid future realignment issues. Aside from this, wisdom teeth are notorious for creating secondary problems such as difficulty opening the mouth, gum infection, abscesses, cysts and decay. If you have any such symptoms, please book an appointment with Carousel Dental Centre and approach your dentist for specific advice regarding your circumstances.

Process Overview

There are some scenarios that can alter the general process, such as gum disease, wisdom teeth erupting at the wrong angle, and impacted wisdom teeth within a jaw bone, which may require an oral surgeon to cut into your gums or bone accordingly. However, your dentist will review your individual needs and plan accordingly to discuss your medical history and any medications that you are on at present or will be consequently if required. This will help you plan any lifts home or time off that may be needed, which depends on whether you are numbed (awake) or put out to sleep during the surgery prior to being stitched up. Typically, the process usually takes up to 45 minutes for extraction, but it is case-dependent – based on any pre-existing conditions you may have and whether local, sedation or general anaesthetics are used, so please consult your dentist.

Recovery Time

This can differ based on the type of extraction required, so it’s best to consult your dentist at Carousel Dental Centre on your likely recovery period. Outcomes are based on the individual but can range from three days to one week on average, and the stitches are dissolvable. It is likely that antibiotics, painkillers or a care regime will need to be maintained post-extraction for the best possible healing process, based on the type of extraction you have undertaken. Your Carousel Dental Centre dental practitioner will fully brief you on any such aspects that they can prior to the procedure. Soft foods, ice packs, gentle jaw exercise, fluid intake (without straw use), and care rinsing and brushing will be recommended post-procedure