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Our wisdom teeth, also known as our third molars usually do not erupt until our late teens or early twenties. They are the last teeth to come through the gums.
Most people do not have enough space in their jaw for their wisdom tooth to erupt and fit to our bite – often they are wedged between the angle of the jaw and the erupted tooth beside it, this is known as an “impacted” wisdom tooth.
It is recommended that an impacted wisdom tooth or one which is causing problems should be removed as soon as possible before the problem gets worse.
At Dentists & Doctors we are pleased to offer the latest in 3D digital technology, with our in house CBCT (3D X rays) we are able to accurately assess the position of your wisdom teeth and show you in real time any areas of concern.
Your dentist will complete a thorough examination, take necessary photographs and x rays and discuss your wisdom teeth surgery in Geelong.
For our anxious patients, Dentists & Doctors offer the following services to provide you with comfort and confidence throughout your dental surgery in Geelong
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause more problems besides pain, they include
1. Infection
When an impacted wisdom tooth starts to erupt through the gums an infection can occur around the top of the tooth. Infection and swelling of the gums can cause increased pain and discomfort as well as bad breath and taste in the mouth. You may also find it difficult to swallow and feel unwell.
2. Food trap
When food becomes trapped between the wisdom tooth and the tooth beside it this creates the perfect environment for tooth decay to occur.
3. Ulcer
An erupting wisdom tooth which is impacted often erupts into the mouth at an odd angle – this can cause an ulcer to form on the inside of our cheeks, tongue or gum on the opposing arch.
4. Cyst
If removal of wisdom teeth does not occur in a timely manner, a cyst can form around the tooth and move it. A cyst is a sac of fluid which can destroy bone and damage surrounding teeth and gums. A cyst formation around unerupted teeth is common.
5. Resorption Cavity
A tooth usually erupts and pushes through the gums and into the mouth in a straight path. If the tooth is impacted the pushing action is not straight through the gums and out into the mouth but rather in the direction of the position of the impacted tooth. This pushing action can cause a resorption cavity to the tooth beside it – this can lead to serious damage and loss of both the wisdom tooth and the affected tooth.
Each patient is unique, which is why we take a personalised approach to your dental surgery care. Our dentists will discuss the positioning of your wisdom teeth and the urgency of your wisdom teeth surgery. All X rays and photographs will be shown and discussed with you as well as your treatment plan – considering the level of anxiety you may have, At Dentists & Doctors we have the option of dental sedation to provide you ease and comfort throughout your wisdom teeth removal.
It is common to have your wisdom teeth surgery done in the dental chair with local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic will numb the gums, surrounding soft tissue near the wisdom tooth and the lip. Your dentist will not proceed with the treatment until adequate anaesthesia is gained and you are feeling completely numb.
Depending on the position of your wisdom tooth, our dentist may need to make an incision to open your gums to improve access whilst removing your wisdom tooth. An impacted tooth may require a small portion of bone surrounding the tooth to be removed and divided into segments – this is so we can remove your wisdom tooth easily and safely. Your gums will be closed using stitches which will be removed by your dentist approximately 10-14 days after your procedure – this appointment will also be used to check the healing of your gums and soft tissue following the extraction.
Following the wisdom teeth surgery, we advise you
Depending on the complexity of your wisdom teeth removal at our Geelong clinic, pain should subside within 2 -3 days following the surgery, however it is normal if you require pain relief one week after your wisdom tooth removal.
Your dentist for wisdom teeth surgery at our Geelong clinic will ensure you are prescribed the appropriate pain relief, if this does not decrease as the days go by, please contact us.
Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, lips almost always occurs after wisdom teeth surgery. It can vary from slight to severe depending on the amount of surgery and wisdom teeth removed. Swelling is a normal human body response and usually reaches its maximum by the third day. Applying ice packs on the cheeks in the first 24 hours after surgery may help reduce the swelling. Swelling should resolve 5 days after surgery.
At Dentists & Doctors, our priority is to ensure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their dental surgery. We have the latest CBCT (3D X ray) machine at our Geelong clinic which allows us to safely and accurately plan the removal of your wisdom teeth. This ensures each patient receives the safest and highest care of treatment.
We offer additional sedation services which allows you to ‘sleep’ throughout the procedure. To further discuss what is involved and how this may work for you, please call our friendly staff to book an appointment.
Do you have questions about our dental services? We’re here to help! Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, or browse through the list below for more information.
