ALL ABOUT WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY

Many people dread the idea of wisdom tooth surgery, but it's really not as bad as it seems! we'll SHARE what wisdom tooth surgery is, why it's necessary, and what you can expect during and after the procedure. By the end, you'll see that there's really nothing to worry about!

WHEN WISDOM TEETH APPEARS

Wisdom teeth only appear in our mouths between 16-24 years of age. As most of our jaws are not large enough, these teeth do not come through fully and results in food residue being trapped below the overlying gum leading to pain, infection as well as decay of the molar tooth in front of the wisdom tooth.

The teeth are “impacted” and a surgery is usually required to remove the buried tooth from the jawbone. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they are in function position, cleanable and not causing any pain or infection, they can be left in position.

WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY Procedure

The procedure takes around an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia though patients may choose to sedated for greater comfort or to be completely asleep under general anaesthesia.
The gums covering the buried tooth are pushed back to expose the tooth and a dental bur used to divide the tooth to enable it to be removed in 2 or 3 sections.
The gums are then stitched back into position.

Be Wise. Lose It.

PAIN-FREE WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY

You may feel some minor discomfort during the procedure. Even though the local anaesthetic that is given blocks pain pathways, you will still be able to feel some pressure and hear the sound of the drilling and the instruments.

If you want have a complete pain-free experience, we can arrange for the surgery to be performed under intravenous sedation in the clinic or under general anaesthesia within an operating theatre.

HOW SAFE IS THE WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY?

The surgery is safe as there are no major blood vessels in the oral cavity. The only major complication is possible damage to the nerves which supply the lips, cheek, teeth and tongue.

Most other problems are temporary and reversible.

It is also safe to undergo sedation and general anaesthesia as it is always carried out and supervised by experienced specialist medical anaesthetists and trained nurses.

POST WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY

You may feel some discomfort and swelling after your surgery, but this can be alleviated with pain medication. It's important to stick to soft foods for the first few days after your surgery and avoid using straws, as suction can cause bleeding at the extraction sites.

You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after your surgery as these can cause complications.

It's normal for some degree of numbness to persist in your lips, tongue, and cheeks for a few hours after surgery as well.

Be sure to follow all of your oral surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully so that you can heal quickly and without complications.

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GROWING PAINS

Wisdom tooth surgery may not be something you're looking forward to, but it's usually a quick and relatively painless procedure, and it's often necessary in order to avoid more serious problems down the road.

Just be sure to follow our dentist’s pre-operative and post-operative care instructions carefully, (such as icing your face and taking pain medication as needed), and you'll be back to your normal self in no time!

Be Wise. Lose it.