What Is Involved in Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is common because it is often a danger to your health or comfort to leave them in

Wisdom teeth, found at the back of the mouth, can often cause discomfort and health problems and may require a wisdom tooth extraction. If you’re feeling apprehensive for your wisdom tooth removal, then fear not - the procedure is usually relatively straightforward and the dentist will always strive to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout the removal. Wisdom tooth removal can be daunting for Perth men and women, but taking the time to learn what is involved in the procedure can alleviate these concerns.

Why Do I Have Wisdom Teeth?

It’s widely accepted by anthropologists that wisdom teeth were used by our early ancestors to chew their diet of coarse foods, like leaves, roots, nuts, and meats. Since our diet has changed our wisdom teeth are no longer required, although they usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 24. 

When they grow properly, these teeth can improve your chewing power and add to your mouth, but for most people these teeth are poorly aligned or may even get stuck in the jawbone or below the gumline. An x-ray will show your dentist how your teeth are aligned, so that they can determine which will be the best way to remove the tooth.

What Is The Procedure?

Depending on your personal circumstances, your procedure may be a simple extraction to a full surgery requiring anaesthetic. This will normally depend on the position of the wisdom tooth.

If the tooth is fully visible, and has erupted cleanly through the gum, then a general dentist can easily remove it without a surgical procedure

If the tooth is under the gum, or embedded in the jaw bone, then the solution can be a bit more complicated. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision into the gum, and remove the tooth. Sometimes small sections will need to be isolated and removed, and this can become more complex, requiring surgical care.

What If I Don’t Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is common because it is often a danger to your health or comfort to leave them in. For example, a wisdom tooth that has partially erupted can cause an opening in the gum and lead to bacterial infection, which can cause serious health issues if left untreated. A wisdom tooth that hasn’t erupted can cause a cyst, which will damage bone and gum tissue. A crooked wisdom tooth can damage any nearby teeth and the alignment of your bite.

Sleep Dentistry:

Sleep dentistry is a popular solution for those who are concerned about the procedure, and would rather ‘sleep’ through and wake up afterwards with the tooth safely extracted. While this is an option, your dentist or oral surgeon will take any required steps with local anaesthetic to minimise any sensations in the area that could cause you discomfort.

If you’re nervous about a dental procedure, such as wisdom tooth extraction, a simple consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon is the perfect opportunity to discuss your options and ensure that you have complete peace of mind before the procedure. They can talk to you about their goals for the procedure, and explain what to expect after the extraction. This may include guidance on post-care, and when you can expect to heal completely.

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