WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

The wisdom tooth (or third molar) is usually the last tooth to erupt into the mouth any time after about 16 years of age. 

Frequently there is not enough room to accommodate wisdom teeth and as such they do not come into the mouth normally. 

When this happens, the wisdom teeth are said to be “impacted”. Wisdom teeth are usually either impacted forwards into the front tooth or backwards into the jaw bone.

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When should wisdom teeth be removed?

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a number of problems, hence the need for removal. Most commonly these are:

The gums surrounding the impacted tooth may become infected repeatedly, which can result in pain and swelling.
The accumulation of food particles between the wisdom tooth and the tooth in front can cause decay and damage to the tooth over time.



Some deeply impacted wisdom teeth can cause formation of cysts that may damage surrounding nerves, teeth, and bone.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a number of problems, hence the need for removal. Most commonly these are:

The gum tissue surrounding the tooth may become infected repeatedly, which can result in discomfort and inflammation.
The accumulation of food particles in between the wisdom tooth and the front tooth can cause decay and damage to the tooth.
Improperly emerging wisdom teeth can cause cysts that may damage nerves, teeth, and jawbones.

What to expect after the operation?

Discomfort and swelling on the face and inside the mouth – usually for the first three days after surgery which may take up to two weeks before all the symptoms goes away.
Occasionally there will be a temporary discoloration of the skin over the swelling and soreness at the corner of your lips.
Your cheek may feel tight and your mouth opening may be restricted. This will make chewing difficult and we therefore recommend a soft diet for about a week or so.
After surgery, slight bleeding may occur from the stitched area, which can be stopped by biting on gauze for 20 minutes. To avoid bleeding, avoid hot drinks and rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of anaesthetic is used?

A number of options are available:

Local anaesthetic – This is an injection into the gum surrounding the wisdom tooth. The injection takes a couple of minutes to numb the area and ensures that you won't feel any pain while the wisdom tooth is being removed. This is the best option for wisdom teeth that are simple to remove.

 
Local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation – In addition to a local anaesthetic injection, you can also receive an injection into your arm to help you feel relaxed and less aware of the procedure. Keep in mind that this option requires an anaesthetist to attend to you.

 
General anaesthetic – In most cases, wisdom teeth can be removed with a day-care general anaesthesia, which allows patients to return home on the same day of the surgery. This procedure is usually performed at a hospital.

How long does it take to remove a wisdom tooth?

The time required for wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. While some teeth may be extracted in a few minutes, more difficult cases that require cutting the tooth into pieces can take up to 30-40 minutes.

Is there anything else I need to do after the surgery?

After surgery, keeping the extraction sites clean is crucial for the first few weeks. If cleaning is difficult due to soreness, it's recommended to rinse gently with mouthwash or warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) starting the day after the surgery to prevent food debris buildup.

Do I need to take time off work?

Usually it will be necessary to take 2 to 5 days off work and avoid strenuous exercise during this time. Depending on the type of anaesthetic used, you may not be able to drive (24 hours after intravenous sedation and for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic).

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