Wisdom Teeth Removal at DHCA

While it is our priority to always try to save an existing tooth, there are some cases where extracting a tooth is in the best interests of our patient. This includes infected (abscessed) teeth that don’t respond to endodontic therapy, as well as severe decay, trauma, disease or crowding.

Additionally, it isn’t uncommon for wisdom teeth to require extraction. It is estimated that over 80% of wisdom teeth will require removal, making this an extremely common procedure within the dental industry. Thankfully, our professional team have immense experience with all types of extraction, allowing our patients to be treated in the comfort of our own practice, with only extremely difficult cases being referred to off-site specialists.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as your third set of molars, are the last teeth to emerge in your mouth. They generally erupt between the ages of 17 – 25, with individuals having anywhere between one to four wisdom teeth.

Problems begin to occur with wisdom teeth as they grow and develop when there is not enough space at the back of your jaw to accommodate them. As a result, they can become trapped under the gum-line, with roots growing in unusual positions. Additionally, wisdom teeth may push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain, bite problems, inflamed gums, and teeth misalignment.

When wisdom teeth begin causing a patient any pain or discomfort, they should be removed sooner, rather than later. Delaying the treatment can result in oral health concerns which require more extensive (and therefore, more expensive) treatment.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Our Dental Health Care Associates team will conduct a thorough examination involving x-rays, as well as an oral exam of your gum tissue and general dental health. This will allow us to gain a comprehensive overview of your situation, helping to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be extracted.

For patients requiring extraction, we will develop a personal treatment plan to make both their procedure and healing process as straight-forward as possible. Our professional dental team are also happy to answer any questions patients may have along the way.

Depending on the number of teeth being removed and the severity of their impact, we may extract the wisdom teeth at our practice under a local anaesthetic or under a general anaesthetic in hospital day surgery. We will do everything we can to ensure you are as comfortable and as stress-free as possible during your procedure.

Patients may experience some post-operative swelling and soreness, however this will subside within just a few days of treatment. A cold compress or ice pack can assist with the swelling, while over-the-counter pain relief medication can also manage additional discomfort. It is recommended that patients eat only soft food (such as soup and pureed vegetables) and drink plenty of water in the days following their procedure. We also advise that patients abstain from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least three days following surgery.