Wisdom teeth Removal and
​oral surgery


What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third and final molars, are the four last teeth to erupt, generally coming in during the late teen years or early twenties. Because the jawbone has fully grown to its adult size during the late teen years, the jaw is often too small to accommodate the new wisdom teeth comfortably. This is why the development of wisdom teeth commonly causes pain and discomfort, and can lead to more serious issues that require wisdom teeth removal.

Do I need to get my wisdom teeth out?

Depending on the size of your jaw and how your wisdom teeth develop, you may not experience any issues with your wisdom teeth. The best way to determine whether you require wisdom teeth removal is to come in to see our dentists for a professional evaluation and assessment.

The dentist will review your dental history, take x-rays, and examine the general health of your mouth and the condition of your wisdom teeth. If the dentist detects an issue with your wisdom teeth, surgery may be recommended to have them removed and eliminate or avoid any uncomfortable symptoms. Early removal is generally the best option as it helps to avoid more serious issues in the future.

It is important that you discuss the wisdom tooth removal procedure, risks, possible complications and outcomes with the dentist. The procedure may be performed by the dentist or you may be referred to a specialist. This is dependent on the dentist’s preferences and your individual circumstances. If you decide not to proceed with the wisdom tooth removal procedure, ensure they are monitored at each dental visit.

Why have wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth can cause serious issues and severe pain. If a problem is detected with the development of your wisdom tooth, it is advised that you have it removed as soon as possible. Below are the most common reasons for having your wisdom teeth removed.
  • Tooth Decay: if your wisdom tooth is impacted, saliva, bacteria and food can accumulate around it, causing decay to the wisdom tooth or the tooth beside it. This often leads to a painful infection.
  • Gum Infection: if your tooth is partially erupted through the gum, food particles and bacteria can accumulate beneath the gum, resulting in a local infection. This can lead to pain, swelling and bad breath. You may even find it difficult to chew or open your mouth fully. This infection can spread to the cheek and neck.
  • Pressure/Pain: when a wisdom tooth develops, it can cause a lot of pressure against the other teeth in the mouth as they try to make room. This can cause severe pressure pain, and can even lead to erosion of the other teeth.
  • Orthodontic Reasons: if you have received orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, your wisdom teeth can compromise the results by moving the teeth out of place.
  • Prosthetic Reasons: when a patient requires dentures, they are advised to have any wisdom tooth removed. If a wisdom tooth grows in beneath a denture, it can lead to irritation, and if removed, the patient will require new dentures as this changes the shape of the gums and mouth.
  • Cyst Formation: a cyst (fluid-filled sac) can form from the tissue surrounding an impacted wisdom tooth. This can lead to bone destruction, jaw enlargement and movement or decay of nearby teeth. The removal of the tooth and cyst is required to avoid further bone loss. Tumours can develop inside these cysts, and they can even result in a fractured jaw if left to grow.

Common problems with wisdom teeth

Many people experience issues with their wisdom teeth. Common problems caused by wisdom teeth include:
  • Gum disease
  • Teeth crowding
  • Decay
  • Poor position
  • Cysts.
You may experience pain or swelling while your wisdom teeth grow in, or you may have no symptoms at all, even though your other teeth may be at risk of damage. This is why it is so important to have a wisdom tooth assessment performed by a professional dentist.

Do I need to remove an impacted wisdom tooth if it isn’t causing any problems?

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it is almost certain to cause issues if ignored, especially if it is a lower wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are also notorious for causing severe pain. It is best to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed as soon as the problem is detected as to avoid any further issues.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction ProcedureHere is an outline of what you can expect during your wisdom tooth removal:
  • Your dentist will use either local, sedation or general anaesthesia in order to numb your mouth and/or suppress your consciousness during the surgery
  • An incision will be made in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
  • If any bone is blocking access to the root of the tooth, it will be removed
  • If the tooth is difficult to remove, it may be divided into several pieces
  • The tooth is removed
  • The extraction site is cleaned and any remaining debris is removed
  • The site is stitched up if required for healing
  • A gauze is placed over the site to control any bleeding and assist the formation of a blood clot.

What to expect after the procedure?

If you have been given sedation or general anaesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room after the procedure. In the case where you have received local anaesthesia, you are given a brief amount of time to recover in the dental chair. You may require to have a friend or relative drive you home. Your dentist will advise you if this is necessary prior to your surgery. You may also be prescribed medication to manage the pain.

After your wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to follow your dentist’s advice. Following their instructions will promote faster healing and avoid any complications. Some of their recommendations may include:
  • Not disturbing the wound, by avoiding touching the site and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth for the first 24 hours
  • Not smoking, as this can encourage bleeding
  • Not spitting or using a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket
  • Using sterile gauze pads to control the bleeding and promote clot development
  • Using a cold pack to reduce swelling
  • Avoiding strenuous activities for a week after the procedure
  • Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours after surgery
  • Eating soft foods and avoiding hot beverages and spicy foods for a few days after surgery

While rare, there are some risks involved with wisdom tooth removal. It is important to contact your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fever
  • Severe pain not relieved by prescribed pain medications
  • Swelling that increases after two or three days
  • A bad taste in your mouth not removed with a saltwater rinse
  • Pus in the extraction site
  • Continual numbness or loss of feeling
  • Blood or pus in nasal discharge

These symptoms may be a sign of an infection, nerve damage or other complications, so it is important to contact your dentist immediately for advice.

IV Sedation

At Bella Vista Family Dental Centre we understand that certain procedures such as wisdom teeth removal/minor oral surgery can cause great anxiety and fear. Because we understand your fears we offer pain free dentistry administered by a qualified and accredited dental sedationist.

IV Sedation dentistry has many names including sleep dentistry, twilight dentistry, conscious sedation.

The more common procedures provided under dental sedation are wisdom teeth removal, minor oral surgery and complex procedures. However, virtually any dental procedure can be performed under the management of a dental seditionist.