Wisdom Teeth Removal Brighton, Queensland
Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth are so called because they usually appear much later than other adult teeth, typically between the ages of 17 and 21. That is when we have reached an age of wisdom, or at least, that is how the theory goes.
When they erupt correctly, wisdom teeth provide extra chewing power. But all too often, they fail to erupt correctly, impacting other teeth and pushing them out of alignment, causing discomfort and sometimes infections. This is why wisdom teeth removal in Brisbane is such a hot topic among the city’s teenagers and those in their 20s. Usually, extracting wisdom teeth is the best course of action, fortunately, we’ve perform hundreds of wisdom teeth procedures for satisfied clients.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Such a Problem?
Humans never stop evolving. Over the centuries, the human skull has evolved to allow more room for our larger brains. However, the jawline has become narrower, meaning there is barely enough room for the third molars to come through. A steady increase is observed in the number of people born without wisdom teeth, suggesting that evolution will sort the problem out eventually.
That could take a thousand years or more, however, so in the meantime, we will continue to monitor how wisdom teeth grow and will recommend extraction when necessary.
Wisdom Teeth Impaction
For the fortunate minority, wisdom teeth erupt from the gums in the four back corners to stand alongside the rest of the molars. But in many cases, they erupt at an angle, applying pressure to the neighbouring teeth. Sometimes they grow almost horizontally, directly impacting the molars without erupting at all.
This is called impaction, and it can have varying degrees of severity. Sometimes, the other teeth are unaffected, and the wisdom teeth erupt forward towards the cheek or backwards towards the tongue. They can also only partially erupt, remaining half buried in the gum. This is known as a partial bony impaction.
Impaction is not always a serious problem. It might not cause discomfort or impact other teeth. That can make it tempting to leave the partially impacted wisdom teeth in place. The downside to doing so is that they can cause problems later in life. Having wisdom teeth removed at 40 or 50 is a more severe procedure than at 20, and recovery time is longer. For this reason, the dentist will usually recommend extraction of impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth.
Diagnosing Wisdom Teeth Problems
Your dentist will periodically take X-rays as part of the routine oral health and preventative dentistry process. These give the best indication of what wisdom teeth are doing in teenage patients.
As we know from the crime shows on TV, no two patients’ teeth are the same, so the dentist will discuss every case on its own merits with the patient and, in the case of minors, his or her parent or guardian.
This discussion will cover all possible options and their likely outcomes and consequences. As mentioned earlier, if the wisdom teeth are showing signs of impaction, having your wisdom teeth removed is likely the most prudent course of action.
Wisdom Teeth Emergency Treatment
That’s fine, you might say, for a patient who has been paying regular visits to the dentist and having his or her wisdom teeth regularly monitored. But what about someone who has not been having regular checkups?
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry, just pop in or give us a call so our dentist can take a look. We are never judgemental, and while we always recommend regular checkups, we understand that everyone has their own circumstances. We always focus on what to do next, not what has or has not happened before.
If wisdom teeth start to impact and no action is taken, various symptoms might manifest. These include soreness and swelling, gums prone to excessive bleeding and even difficulty fully opening the mouth, or experiencing a “click” as if the jaw almost dislocates when opened very wide.
For those in their late teens and early 20s, these symptoms indicate potential problems with the wisdom teeth, and unfortunately, they will only worsen over time. The firm advice is to call for a consultation. If you or a loved one experiences sudden pain, you can always phone and ask for an emergency consultation, and we will fit you in without delay.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
One of the aspects that the dentist will discuss with you are the different options for the extraction process itself. In most cases, wisdom tooth extraction is not so different from having any other tooth extracted and can be performed under local anaesthetic.
If the wisdom teeth are still embedded in the gum, then the extraction process is more complex, and a general anaesthetic might be recommended. It means a more prolonged process overall and an extended recovery time, but the good news is the patient gets to sleep peacefully through it all.
Dental Anxiety is Nothing Unusual
We pride ourselves on our dental procedures being painless, and we always put client comfort above all else. Having wisdom teeth removed does not hurt. We also know that we can say that 100 times, and still, one in three patients will feel some anxiety about having a dental procedure. That ratio is even higher with patients who are still just entering adulthood.
In other words, you will probably feel anxious, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of – it is normal, and we work with anxious patients daily. The dentist can offer a range of sedation options if necessary, so tell us at the first consultation if you have any fear or anxiety about the dentist’s chair so we can discuss the matter openly together.
Post-Extraction Care
We mentioned earlier that the extraction of wisdom teeth is fundamentally similar to the extraction of any other teeth. That is true, but the wisdom teeth removal process can be more invasive, sometimes taking a little longer to recover.
Driving after wisdom teeth surgery is not recommended, so arrange for someone to give you a lift home. You will need to stock up on regular painkillers, as there will likely be some soreness when the anaesthetic wears off. Don’t worry, it will not last long, and every hour will feel a little more comfortable than the last.
Your dentist will give you detailed instructions and information about post-extraction care, but these will essentially boil down to these dos and don’ts:
Here are some of our tips that will help you recover quicker without issues post wisdom tooth surgery:
- Take a few days off from work or school to fully recover, especially if you went under general anaesthetic.
- Periodically wash your mouth gently with warm salt water, especially after food.
- Take whatever antibiotics you were prescribed – even if you feel fine. They will help protect against infection but are only effective if you take the entire course.
- Apply an ice pack to soothe any swelling. The dentist might also instruct you to take anti-inflammatories.
- Stick to liquids or semi-solids like yoghurt, at least for a day or two. This gives the protective blood clots the best chance to harden over the wounds to minimise the possibility of infection.
- Get plenty of rest; it will help hasten recovery.
Here is our advice on what NOT to do when recovering from wisdom tooth surgery:
- Don’t drink alcohol – its medicinal qualities have been exaggerated in the movies, and it could hinder the healing process and interfere with the effects of pain medication.
- Avoid smoking or vaping – we know this is a tough one if you have a nicotine habit, but even with a herbal vape, the sucking action can dislodge that blood clot.
- Don’t use a straw – for precisely the same reason as avoiding vaping or smoking, sucking in a drink through a straw is a bad idea and should be avoided.
- Eat solid food too soon – the longer you can stick to the semi-solids, the better and faster your recovery.
- Don’t try to be a hero – wisdom teeth removal is routine and painless. However it is still a major surgical procedure, and the body needs time to recover.
Learn More or Book Your Appointment
Don’t put off having your wisdom teeth evaluated. Our gentle, caring team can perform a comfortable wisdom teeth extraction Brighton only if it is deemed necessary. Contact our clinic by phone or email today to arrange your appointment or learn more about your painful wisdom teeth.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
FAQ For Wisdom Tooth Removal
How do You Know if You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Out?
Pain, swelling and frequent infections indicate that you might need wisdom teeth extraction. Your dentist will also be able to advise by looking at your X-rays to see whether wisdom teeth are erupting correctly or are growing at an angle and potentially impacting other teeth.
Should I Remove my Wisdom Teeth if They Don't Hurt?
That depends on how they are growing and whether there is space for them to erupt naturally alongside the other molars. When there is a possibility of future problems, having them removed while you are younger is advisable, as you will heal faster.
How Long Does it Take for The Wisdom Teeth Holes to Heal?
With an impacted tooth, the jawbone and gum must heal so that the process can take longer than a routine extraction. The exact time varies between patients, but around six weeks is typical.
How Much Will it Cost to Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
At Brighton Dental Suite, the cost of wisdom teeth extraction may vary based on the complexity of the procedure. Typically, it falls within the range of $231 to $500. For a precise cost estimate that considers the specific details of your case, please feel free to contact us directly. We are here to assist you by discussing the particulars of the procedure and conducting an assessment to develop a tailored treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Will I Have Bad Breath After Having My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Some patients experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breath after wisdom teeth removal, especially if they smoke or are on the contraceptive pill. This is a short-term phenomenon while the wounds heal. Drink plenty of water and follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to minimise this problem.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
It varies from one patient to the next but be prepared for it to take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. During this time, you might feel some aching and tenderness and will probably have some inflammation around the swollen mouth and cheeks. Don’t worry; this will improve after the first few days. Some patients feel fine after just three or four days.
What Happens if You Do Not Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
It depends on each individual and how the wisdom teeth erupt. A wisdom tooth that is partially erupted can cause bacterial infections. In contrast, a wisdom tooth that does not erupt might lead to possible cyst development, which is likely to be painful and will cause damage to bone and gum tissue.
If you decide to refrain from having infected wisdom teeth removed, then the worst-case scenario could very well mean more teeth having to be removed, and our Brisbane dental implant services come into play!
Is it Painful to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No, like all procedures at Brighton Dental Suite, the extraction process is painless. You will be given a local anaesthetic, and the dentist will regularly check on your comfort. Holding your mouth open for a long time can be uncomfortable, but just let the dentist know if you need a break. You will feel some soreness afterwards, but this can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relief and will not last more than a day or two.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal a Major Surgery?
Yes, wisdom teeth extraction is considered major surgery, so allow yourself a few days for your body to recover before returning to school or work. This is particularly important if you have had a general anaesthetic.
Can You Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your dentist will advise you here, but ordinarily, you should have liquid only for 24 hours after the extraction and stick to a soft diet for another day or two. This means foods like yoghurts and pureed products.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal is it Safe to Smoke?
It is never safe to smoke, but some patients will be impatient to satisfy a nicotine craving. Try to leave it as long as possible, as just inhaling can damage the fragile clot over the extraction wound. 72 hours is best if possible, but at least give it 24 hours as an absolute minimum.