Wisdom Teeth Removal

They are several reasons for wisdom teeth removal, but usually, it is because they are “impacted”, which means they have not erupted properly and have become stuck against either another tooth or your jaw bone. This can create an area where food and bacteria get trapped, creating problems such as decay, bad breath and infections. They can also be removed for orthodontic reasons.

You should consider wisdom teeth removal when your dentist identifies an issue with them. Waiting for symptoms to arise is often a mistake, as decay may affect multiple teeth before you realise there is a problem. Infections of the gum over impacted wisdom teeth, known as pericoronitis, can be nasty and result in pain and facial swelling.

Wisdom teeth removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic, making it pain-free. After the surgery, your body will react by swelling in the area. This is your body’s way of increasing the blood supply in the area to send more nutrients to the site in order to start the body’s natural healing mechanism. This swelling usually lasts for 3 to 5 days, but the amount of swelling varies from person to person. Pain medication is prescribed after wisdom teeth extraction which, if taken as directed, will ensure a practically pain-free recovery.

Recovery times vary, but 3 to 7 days is usually an accurate estimate. Taking regular painkillers for the first 3 days after surgery usually means you are pain-free during this time. Depending on how physically active your job is, you may be able to return to work the next day, but it is usually a good idea to plan a quiet few days after your wisdom teeth extraction.

At Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry Centre, we understand your anxiety, and our whole team is well-equipped to make your experience as calm and pleasant as possible. During your wisdom tooth consultation, you can discuss the options and techniques available to ease your nerves.

These can range from taking a sedative tablet 1 hour before surgery to make you feel more relaxed to having a general anaesthetic so that you are asleep through the procedure.