Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of proablems can happen. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:
- Infection: The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
- Cyst Formation: Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. This condition although is rare, will need immediate attention.
- Possible Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth. So, removal of wisdom teeth is advised after the completion of braces treatment to avoid future possibility of crowding and long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone denser. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What Happens on The Day Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
You will be provided with appropriate information on what to expect at your consultation. On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes appoximately. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. Through sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times. We will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible.
Once the local anaesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Post-operative instructions will be explained and emergency contact details will be provided. If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually removed in 5 to 7 days. Occasionally, resorable stiches are given which do not require to be removed & dissolve on their own. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in few days.