Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to come through, this can happen any time from the age of 16 years onwards.Often there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth and this often requires them to be surgically removed. A large jaw x-ray (OPG) is often required before treatment to assess the position of the wisdom teeth.
- Infection/Pain
- Food Trappin
- Crowding
- Cyst
- Difficulty opening mouth and swallowing
- Fever
During the consultation with the surgeon, the OPG will be assessed, and the angle and formation of the wisdom tooth/teeth will be discussed. Wisdom teeth are broken down into 3 categories, fully impacted, partially erupted and fully erupted.
The surgeon will discuss the options of tooth extraction using local anaesthetic or referring them to the hospital to have the, taken out under general anaesthetic.
Fully Impacted (completely under gum)- This is when there is no room for the tooth to come out. It is usually at an angle and pushing into the tooth adjacent to it. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most difficult to remove.
Partially erupted Wisdom Teeth – When the tooth partially comes through the gum, it can become difficult to clean as a part of the tooth remains covered with a flap of gum. Food can get caught in the gap between the tooth and gum, causing cavities and/or gum inflammation.
Fully erupted Wisdom Teeth – If grown through completely your wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they are not causing any problems. The best thing to do is monitor them and ensure your toothbrush reaches them when you clean your teeth.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure to extract one or more of the third molars, which are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth—typically between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed if they are:
-
Impacted (stuck in the jawbone or gums and unable to emerge properly)
-
Crowded or cause shifting of other teeth
-
Infected or cause gum disease or tooth decay
- Causing pain or swelling
The procedure is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity. Recovery typically takes a few days to a week, with some swelling, discomfort, and dietary restrictions during healing.
