With Dr Heather Beattie, most times we are able to extract your wisdom teeth on-site without the need for specialist referral.
The removal of wisdom teeth, or the third molars is quite possibly one of the most common procedures carried out at a dentist office. Wisdom teeth essentially grow at the back and they’re the last teeth to come through. Normally people have 4 wisdom teeth, or one in each corner of the mouth. Wisdom teeth tend to grow through the gums during late teens and by this time, all the other teeth are usually in place. This ultimately means that there isn’t enough room in the mouth for them to grow through properly.
Why do Wisdom Teeth not Grow Properly?
Wisdom teeth don’t have much room to grow in the mouth and this means that they can sometimes grow at an angle- or they become stuck and only emerge partially. Wisdom teeth that grow like this will be referred to by your dentist as being impacted.
When should you See a Dentist about your Wisdom Teeth?
You have to make sure that you make an appointment with your family dentist if your teeth are causing you pain. They will then check your teeth over, and they will advise you on whether or not you need to have them removed. If your dentist comes to the conclusion that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, then they will first carry out an X-ray of your whole mouth. This will give them a much clearer image of how your wisdom teeth are and how they are growing. As always if you are having issues with your wisdom teeth, or any teeth for that matter then you need to visit a health professional as soon as possible as they will help you to not only get the issue resolved, but to also stop any potential problems in the future.
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Sometimes your wisdom teeth will become impacted and they won’t break through the gum surface. This can lead to even more dental problems. Disease, bacteria and food can become trapped around the edge of the tooth and this can cause a build-up. You may find that you experience tooth decay, gum disease, cellulitis, abscesses and cysts.
How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Your dentist may well remove the wisdom teeth themselves, or they may refer you to a specialist. Before the procedure, you will have the entire process explained to you and you will also be asked to sign a consent form. You will be given some anaesthetic to numb the area. The only thing you’ll feel is some pressure. The tooth is rocked back and forth in its socket, so that the gap can be widened and the tooth extracted. Sometimes a small cut is required, or it may be that your dentist needs to cut your tooth into smaller pieces so that it can be removed in stages. Normally this is all done under 20 minutes.
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may experience swelling or discomfort, but it won’t last long and you’ll soon be able to eat, drink and talk as normal without the annoyance of your wisdom teeth.
Can I Take Preventative Action?
Our team can give you an assessment to see if you are at risk of developing any issues with your wisdom teeth. Our team have the facility to extract your teeth as well. Most of the time, having your wisdom teeth removed will require you to have access to a specialist oral surgeon. At our practice on the other hand, Dr Heather Beattie has advanced training in extracting teeth, this means in most cases we don’t need to send you anywhere else! If you want to know more about your wisdom teeth or if you are not sure if you are experiencing problems with yours or not then it would be wise for you to book a consultation with us. When you do, we can advise you on anything that you might need to know and we can also work with you to make sure that you are comfortable with every stage of the process. Call us on 07 5475 4866 or email us here: admin@sunshinedentalcare.com.au.
