Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth and what to do about them:

Wisdom teeth (also known as “third molars”) usually do not push through peoples gums until they are in their late teens, twenties or older. Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to come through the gums.

Most people have four wisdom teeth. Some people have no wisdom teeth. Often there is little space at the rear of the jaws for wisdom teeth to come easily through the gums. If the jaw does not have enough room for the wisdom tooth to come through, the tooth will become wedged in or “impacted”.

Some impacted wisdom teeth remain buried and cause no trouble. However, other impacted wisdom teeth may cause severe problems.

Often one or more wisdom teeth will cause problems and must be removed.

Removal of a wisdom tooth is a very common procedure. Removal of troublesome wisdom teeth should usually be done as soon as possible before the problems get worse.

Problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth:

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the following problems:

Damage to molars

The teeth near the wisdom teeth can also be affected by the inflammation of the gums and surrounding bone or even decay if food is trapped between the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also cause food traps and are hard to clean around leading to their decay and the decay of adjacent existing teeth.

Infection

Along with the pain, a wisdom tooth infection might also cause sore throats and swollen lymph glands just under the jaw. Swelling of the face and jaw, pus drainage and the presence of a bad smell or taste in your mouth are other common signs of infected wisdom teeth. You may also find it very difficult to chew or eat. If you experience any facial swelling, please contact Macedon Street Dental in Sunbury or a health professional straight away.

Pain

Pressure from the wisdom tooth may cause pain in the tooth next to it. Pain can also be caused by infection around the wisdom tooth.

Removal of wisdom teeth:

Your dentist may have to make an incision to open your gums to remove the wisdom tooth. A small portion of the bone may have to be removed so your dentist can get to the tooth.

The tooth may have to be divided into segments so it van be removed easily and safely.

The incision in your gums may have to be closed with stitches. Some stitches dissolve after a few days or your dentist will arrange a time to remove the stitches.

For some people the dentist may recommend “IV sedation”, that is, putting them to sleep with an injection. A specialist anaesthetist gives IV sedation.

IV sedation may be used in people who:

1. Have wisdom teeth that may be a little more difficult to remove
2. Do not want to remain awake during the surgery
3. Have other problems with their wisdom teeth, gums or jaws

Phone Macedon Street Dental to make an appointment with a dentist to discuss the options available to you. We will provide a no obligation, full written quote detailing the complete treatments.