Services
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
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.
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:
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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.
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Some deeply impacted wisdom teeth can cause formation of cysts that may damage surrounding nerves, teeth, and bone.
What to expect after the operation?
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Discomfort and swelling in the face and mouth typically last for the first three days after surgery and may take up to two weeks to fully resolve.
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Temporary skin discoloration over the swelling and soreness at the corner of your lips can occur.
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Cheek tightness and restricted mouth opening may make chewing difficult, so a soft diet is recommended for about a week.
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Slight bleeding from the stitched area can be stopped by biting on gauze for 20 minutes after surgery.
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To prevent bleeding, avoid hot drinks and rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
