Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth extraction is a very common dental procedure across Australia and generally is performed in one of the following ways: Performed by a general dentist OR an oral surgery specialist as an out-patient service (this is referred to as "in the chair") or; By a general dentist OR an oral surgeon specialist in a hospital (public or private) as a surgical procedure usually involving sedation by a general anesthetic.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed? Wisdom teeth are removed in majority of people because they tend to cause expensive and long-lasting dental problems if left alone. Among the most common problems are: Infection Misalignment & becoming impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth is the most common reason for infection; as it only partially emerges from the gum which lets bacteria into your gums; this is when nasty stuff begins to happen (i.e. infections)
This presents a situation where the chance of infection is extremely high - so the tooth (or teeth if you're really unlucky) must be removed ASAP. These impacted teeth are also likely to suffer from chronic tooth decay, as it is very difficult (painful) to properly brush and maintain them.
Sometimes people wait until they are told they absolutely need to after an infection or another problem arises. Most often, the dentist will recommend removal before they emerge from the gums, usually after reviewing the X-Rays for the first time. This is important to avoid a more painful and complicated procedure. Its very common for dentists to recommend having wisdom teeth removed while patients are younger, as it is an easier process since the roots of the tooth have not had the time to set properly, and removal can be achieved very easily.
The Removal Process The process to extract these teeth is a more invasive compared to having a regular tooth removed, however less complicated than procedures such as root canal therapy. Most often, it requires a form of surgery for removal - however sometimes only minor surgery is required and this can be carried out by your dentist in his/her clinic. The following is a common process when having your wisdom teeth removed:
- Step one is to put a local anesthetic around the tooth, or teeth, that are being removed. First this would be a substance placed on the gums, then followed by the injection of the anesthetic.
- Next they will apply a sedative or general anesthesia. Most of the time, you will be awake during this procedure though there are circumstances where people are put completely under. This is between you and your oral surgeon. If you get a sedative, this will either come in pill form as Valium or an IV drip in your arm. If you get “put under”, or general anesthesia, you will get a mask put over your face to breath in a gas to put you to sleep. While under, your breathing and other vitals are closely monitored.
- During this procedure, the surgeon will cut open your gums and remove any teeth and other debris. They will remove any bone that is blocking the teeth that they are trying to remove. They might also decide to cut the tooth up for easier removal – It all depends on you individual case
- Sometimes stitches are required, in which case the surgeon will seal up the incision. Otherwise, you will just get gauze to cover the wounds to promote clotting and control the bleeding.
- Depending on the type of sedative used, you may or may not be able to drive yourself home after spending time in recovery. You will be aware of this before your procedure.
- Relevant Specialties
- General Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Surgery
