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Wisdom Teeth Removal in Ivanhoe
Whether your wisdom teeth have erupted or there’s no sign of them yet, they can still cause issues if they don’t have enough room to grow in properly. At ieDental, we recommend scheduling a general dentistry or teeth cleaning appointment to check the state of your wisdom teeth and determine if they might cause future problems.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
We recommend removing wisdom teeth when they don’t have enough room to grow and become impacted. Once impacted, it can lead to all kinds of problems, such as toothaches, swelling, infection, gum disease, and even damage to neighbouring teeth. If you’re unsure whether to remove your wisdom teeth, book a consultation with our dentists.
Is wisdom tooth surgery painful?
Wisdom tooth surgery involves numbing the area or going under sedation, so you should only feel pressure on the site. Afterwards, you may experience some sensitivity but this is manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Swelling and minor discomfort may also occur, but will dissipate after a few days.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery after wisdom tooth surgery can take anywhere from one to two weeks. Most patients report feeling significantly better after three to four days and resume their normal activities and exercise within a week. For the socket to completely heal, it may take several months.
Can all wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Yes, all four wisdom teeth can be removed at once. However, this depends on suitability, tooth positions, and the type of anaesthesia used. While many patients opt for a single appointment due to convenience of one surgery and one recovery period, your dentist might stage it if your wisdom teeth are deeply impacted or there is an active infection.
In some cases with wisdom tooth extraction, we may refer to a Maxillofacial surgeon for the removal in the chair or under General Anesthesia depending on complexity.
What can I eat after surgery?
After wisdom tooth surgery, most patients find that they can only eat soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. Foods like yoghurt, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, and smoothies with a spoon are highly recommended. Avoid eating anything hot, spicy, or crunchy, and abstain from any alcohol.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
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Wisdom teeth gained their name because these are molars that typically don’t appear until young adulthood, when people are supposedly wiser. These teeth were useful to our ancestors, who had larger jaws and a diet that required more chewing power. However, as human diets and jaw sizes have evolved, many people no longer have enough space in their mouths for these extra molars to come in properly.
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they can become impacted, which means they’re stuck beneath the gum line or pushing against neighbouring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to all kinds of problems, including toothaches, swelling, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, which may call for additional extractions. Even if your wisdom teeth erupt normally, they can be difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
In some cases, we recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent these issues before they arise. Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort and may make your teeth shift and become crowded. By removing them, you can minimise the risk of potential complications.
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The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
When you come to ieDental for wisdom teeth removal, the first step is a thorough examination and X-ray to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. If we determine that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we’ll discuss next steps and what’s involved in the procedure, so you know what to expect and feel comfortable.
If your wisdom teeth have already come through the gums and are sitting in a normal position, we can usually do a simple extraction. We’ll numb the area with local anaesthesia, and then we’ll carefully loosen the tooth and pull it out. We ensure the area is fully numbed for your comfort and we will provide detailed instructions to aid your recovery.
However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they’re stuck under the gums or growing at an angle, you might need a bit more work. In that case, we’ll schedule you for surgical wisdom teeth extraction to safely take care of the problem. During the procedure, we’ll numb the area and, if needed, provide sedation to help you stay relaxed. We’ll make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth, and if necessary, break it into smaller pieces to make removal easier. Our goal is to make the surgery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
FAQ
Recovery & Aftercare
While we’ll provide you with detailed information about how to take care of your surgical site following wisdom teeth surgery, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do:
- Keep the swab or gauze over for the recommended time to help with clot formation
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling
- Stick to soft foods like yoghurt and soups for the first few days
- Stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw
- Take your medications, including a gentle pain reliever and prescribed antibiotics, as directed
Don’t:
- Smoke or use tobacco products for at least 72 hours
- Eat crunchy, hard, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical site
- Rinse your mouth vigorously or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours
- Steer clear of heavy exercise or strenuous activity for a few days
- Touch the surgical area with your tongue or fingers
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