Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars and are located at the back of your mouth. They generally come through much later than other teeth, often in the late teens or early twenties when they are said to ‘erupt’.

Possible Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Usually, wisdom teeth will cause no problems at all, but sometimes they only partially erupt, being impacted against bone or nearby teeth and often leaving a flap of gum over the tooth. Occasionally, they may also become too long (a process known as an ‘over eruption’).

When Wisdom Teeth Removal is Necessary?

A regular wisdom teeth check-up will identify any problems before they become too serious and we will generally only opt for wisdom teeth extraction if this is unavoidable. This may be required in a number of circumstances:

  • the tooth may have grown too far out, causing damage to the gum or cheek
  • there may be tooth decay or repeated gum infection that can become serious
  • the position of the tooth may make it difficult to clean, or it may be crowding out other teeth
  • a cyst may have developed around the tooth, or there may be other problems with your jaw, such as a jaw fracture.

Australia has one of the highest rates for wisdom tooth extraction that requires hospitalisation, so it is always best to get your teeth checked before the problem becomes too bad.

Some people even opt for prophylactic extraction (where the wisdom teeth are extracted to prevent future problems even though they are currently causing no trouble). We will always advise on the best course of action and take note of your wishes. Read More

Troublesome wisdom teeth can cause pain, and this can be controlled by painkillers while infection around the tooth can be helped by antibiotics and mouthwashes. However, these are only temporary solutions and tooth extraction may be the best remedy in the long term. Indeed, any delay can risk serious infection that will eventually harm your health.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction and the After-effects

Wisdom teeth are usually extracted using a local anaesthetic to numb the area, and lower teeth can be harder to remove than upper ones. The process usually involves cutting the gum so the tooth is uncovered, removing bone from around the tooth and then using a drill to divide and extract it. You can suffer some pain, bleeding and swelling, although these may be minor and should soon clear. There is also a risk of infection, of allergic reaction to the materials used or of damage to nerves and nearby teeth. However, serious occurrences are extremely rare and we at Goldfields Family Dental will always do our utmost to ensure there are no problems at all. Once the wisdom teeth removal procedure is complete, you will be able to go home. The normal recommendation is to relax, take some time off work and then gradually resume your normal activities as the effects disappear. Nearly all patients have no problems and will make a full recovery quickly. If wisdom teeth go wrong, they can cause serious problems. Getting them checked during your dental checkup and fixing them quickly is by far the best solution. Read Less

What are the Types of Extractions?

Many people don’t realize that tooth extractions come in different forms, depending on the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures. At Goldfields Family Dental, we ensure the safest and most comfortable approach for each patient.

This type of extraction doesn’t take more than 15-20 minutes for the overall process. The dentists perform this extraction using local anesthesia, specialized dental tools, and gentle yet quick action. It doesn’t take long for the patient to go back to having a normal diet after this procedure.

Now, not all your teeth are going to be easy-going when it comes to extraction, especially the impacted ones, the severely decayed ones, and of course, the pesky wisdom teeth. Our dentists are well-trained and experienced to help you get rid of these painful situations. However, making an incision into the gum, and surgically removing the tooth, sometimes in segments might be necessary. 

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