Wisdom Tooth Removal

With over 25 years of experience removing wisdom tooth, our clinicians can provide the advice and treatment you need to eliminate the troubles they create

Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Service

Sometimes wisdom teeth can be present in the mouth without any irritation. But pain, bad breath, or swollen gums are often the first signs of trouble and should be assessed as soon as they are noticed. If these issues are not addressed soon enough they can spread to other parts of the mouth to cause more severe pain and permanent damage.

If they are sitting in the correct position of the mouth and are accessible to be properly cleaned, removal may not necessary. They can also be beneficial for those who have lost other molars and can be kept to assist with eating and chewing.

We are here to help you find whether or not wisdom teeth are present in the mouth and can discuss future and current problems that they may be responsible for. For some cases that may be more complicated, we have a network of dedicated wisdom teeth specialists who can provide treatment under a hospital and general anaesthetic environment too.

Cases Requiring Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth can exist in the mouth without complications. But when the disadvantages outweigh the benefits, it would be better to remove the tooth to protect the other teeth. It is rare for wisdom teeth removal to create other issues when compared to removal of the other teeth. Since they sit at the back of our mouths they are usually not necessary to help with eating or talking. Here are some examples of the cases when wisdom teeth removal should be considered:

Decayed Teeth (cavities), Chronic Gingivitis, Bad Breath: cleaning bacteria from wisdom teeth can be difficult since they are so far back in the mouth. A cyst may form that is capable of destroying the surrounding jawbone. If these problems happen frequently, removing the wisdom tooth may be the best option.

Impaction, Crowding: teeth like to gradually move towards the middle of our face. If the wisdom tooth is tilted the wrong way, over time it can put enough pressure on the tooth in front to create a hole (resorption). These holes are very difficult to treat and may lead to the loss of two teeth.

Soft Tissue Trauma: often wisdom teeth grow out of line with the other teeth. This can lead to scratching and tearing on the cheek insides causing long term discomfort. It can affect our eating habits and reduce the wide variety of foods needed to stay healthy.

Our clinicians can assess your case and discuss whether wisdom tooth removal is the right choice for you

Common Signs and Symptoms

Wisdom teeth complications can be present without any symptoms or pain.

Regular appointments with a dental clinician is the best way to check for any signs of disease and address them sooner.

Swollen, Flappy Gums

Gums can look puffy or like they are growing over and around the tooth or may pull away easily

Yellow Pus

For more severe cases, a yellow sticky liquid can come from the infection area

Bad Breath and Taste

Plaque and bacteria can emit a foul smell or taste lingers for days or months

Bleeding

Is a sign of infected gums and a high level of bacteria around the tooth

Aching when Eating or Biting

Aching pain can occur from the swollen gums and pressure in the jaw

Jaw Pain

Pressure from infected wisdom teeth and surrounding area can spread to the jaws causing pain

What causes impacted wisdom teeth?

Lack of space at the back of the jaw makes it difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt normally. This may be from having a small jaw compared to the tooth size or could be from an underdeveloped jaw. Genetics can be a factor in how wisdom teeth erupt, although there are many cases where unfavourable habits during childhood such as mouth breathing or tongue position can influence the shape and size of the jaws.

At 7 Day Dentists we can determine whether the wisdom teeth or another condition is responsible for these signs and symptoms to help find the solution that is most beneficial for your situation.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Appointments

Before Treatment

Each case is different and will need thorough assessment by our experienced dentist before going ahead with treatment. The dentist will need to check the teeth, gums, bone and nerve in the jaw before deciding the best method to follow. An OPG and sometimes a CBCT (full mouth x-rays) is needed to make an accurate decision.

For the Removal

It only takes 1 to 2 hours to complete the procedure in chair to remove one to two teeth. More than one appointment is required if the teeth are on different sides of the mouth or if it's more comfortable for the patient.

Anxious patients may prefer to have general anaesthetic to remove all the teeth in one day. This requires referral to an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS), a doctor that specialises in dental medicine. A full day will need to be set aside for a hospital visit which the surgeon will discussed in detail. More complicated cases may be referred to the surgeon as well.

Aftercare

Facial swelling and soreness is normal for the next fews days. Some people prefer to take pain relief medication if it becomes quite sore.

We recommend using ice packs after the surgery, soft foods and gentle brushing for the next few days. We can show you gentle jaw exercises and massages that will help the swelling and promote better healing.

A review appointment after one week is best to check the healing process and to remove any stitches that were required after the extraction.

Maintaining Healthy Wisdom Teeth

Brushing correctly twice a day and cleaning between teeth at least once daily is the best way to take care of our teeth and gums. Ensure the toothbrush is reaching all the way back to the wisdom teeth and behind it. Using a mirror can help see where the toothbrush is going. Limiting sugary and acidic foods will slow down any damage from plaque. Drinking water after every meal and snack to wash away the sugar and food debris will help too.

Book in regularly to see our dental clinicians to check the health of the wisdom teeth to ensure there are no signs of disease. You can visit our page Home Oral Habits for more information about home care tools and techniques and healthy diets.

Inspiration for Your Smile!

Contact our friendly team to learn more about how we can help you achieve healthy, beautiful gums and teeth. You can find our phone number and address at the top and bottom of the webpage.

If you would like more information about wisdom teeth complications, please book to talk our knowledgeable clinicians. In the meantime, visit our pages Dental Caries, Gum Disease, Myofunctional Therapy to learn more about oral health. To see more of the other services that we offer visit our page Our Services to know more.