Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually erupt in the late teens or early twenties. When there is insufficient space for them to emerge, they may become impacted, potentially causing pain, swelling and infection. Resolving these issues often requires the removal of these teeth.
At Geelong West Dental, our wisdom teeth removal services are designed to relieve pain and improve your overall oral health.
Does My Wisdom Tooth Need Removing?
It may generally be more straightforward to remove a problematic wisdom tooth before it causes pain.
A few reasons for the wisdom tooth being problematic may include the tooth being:
- Impacted (trapped under the gum or in the jawbone) and causing pain and swelling
- Difficult to clean, making it prone to cavities and causing gum disease
- Pressed against other molars, potentially causing crowding and pain
A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted and is straight, easy to clean and free of decay and/or gum disease may not require removal.
Our experienced dentists will be able to advise you further after a thorough examination.
What Are My Wisdom Tooth Removal Options?
Your wisdom tooth removal dentist will consider the position and condition of the wisdom tooth, any damage to nearby teeth, hygiene and cleaning accessibility, and risk factors such as age, general medical and oral health when recommending treatment.
In general, there are two types of procedures for wisdom tooth removal:
Simple Wisdom Tooth Removal
For straightforward cases where the wisdom tooth is fully or mostly erupted and easy to access.
Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal
For cases where the radiographic imaging shows partial or full impaction, unusual angulation of tooth, and proximity to the nerve.
At Geelong West Dental, we will carefully assess each case, take detailed dental X-rays, and discuss all treatment options with you so you are fully informed every step of the way.
What is the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure?
Step 1:
Consultation & Assessment
Our dentists will conduct an initial examination of your mouth to see if wisdom tooth removal is needed.
We take dental X-rays to gain more information about your wisdom teeth.
As each case is unique, we will provide suitable treatment options and answer any questions you have.
Step 2:
Anaesthesia & Removal
The wisdom tooth removal procedure can be done awake or under dental sedation.
We provide local anaesthetic to fully numb the wisdom tooth area, then proceed with the removal. Incisions, bone removal or tooth division may be needed for complete tooth removal.
Finally, the area is cleaned (irrigated) and stitched to help it heal.
Step 3:
Aftercare & Review
We will provide wisdom tooth removal aftercare instructions and medications as needed to reduce discomfort and support healing.
We may organise a review appointment to check your healing progress and remove stitches as needed.
Why Choose Geelong West Dental?
Patient-Centred Care
Customised Treatment Plans
Every case is different. We tailor plans for wisdom teeth extraction based on your symptoms, X-rays and goals.
Modern Dental Technology
We use digital imaging and modern techniques to support precise, efficient wisdom teeth removal and an optimal recovery process.
Welcoming Environment
We are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment during your visits with us.
Accessible Payment Options
We offer payment plan options as needed as we believe that dental treatment should be accessible to everyone.
Here Are Some FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are usually the last permanent teeth to come through during adulthood. People typically have four wisdom teeth (one in each corner of your mouth), but some may have fewer or even none.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removing?
We recommend an assessment with our experienced dentists if you have pain, swollen or bleeding gums, jaw soreness or swelling, bad breath or a bad taste near the molars (back teeth). Even without symptoms, we may recommend wisdom teeth removal if your dental X-rays show future problems that may be caused by your wisdom teeth, if left untreated.
Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
When there is inadequate space, a wisdom tooth may become impacted, trapping food and bacteria. This may lead to pain, gum inflammation around the wisdom tooth (pericoronitis) and potential decay of neighbouring teeth. Timely wisdom teeth removal may help prevent these issues.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
At Geelong West Dental, patient comfort is our top priority. We aim to provide wisdom tooth removal services in the most comfortable way possible. For patients with dental fear, sleep dentistry options can be discussed. If patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed without sleep dentistry, we provide local anaesthesia and happy gas as needed for patient comfort.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the wisdom teeth removal. Some swelling or discomfort is to be expected for one to two weeks. Complex wisdom teeth removal cases may take longer. Full socket healing and closures may continue over the following weeks and months.
What should I do (or avoid) during recovery?
- Rinse gently with salt water after 24 hours and keep the area clean.
- Choose soft foods and stay hydrated.
- For the first 48 hours, avoid smoking, alcohol, drinking through straws and strenuous activity.
Your dentist will provide personalised aftercare instructions for your wisdom teeth removal.
Are there any risks associated with wisdom tooth removal?
As with any dental procedure, wisdom tooth removal may have its risks and complications. Some include but are not limited to:
- Jaw stiffness (trismus): Pain or tightness when opening the jaw. This is a common post-operative risk that usually settles after a few weeks.
- Dry socket: A painful inflammation that occurs if the blood clot dislodges, leaving the socket open to infection. Smokers or patients with existing infection around the wisdom teeth are at higher risks of developing dry socket.
- Nerve irritation: Prolonged numbness in the lip, tongue or chin that may happen if the roots of the wisdom tooth are close to the nerve canal.
- Infection: A secondary post-operative infection that may require further management.
Your dentist will provide explanations regarding possible risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal prior to treatment. We recommend considering different professional evaluations before proceeding with any dental treatment.