Wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth can grow without any issues – or in most instances, the complete opposite. The team at Preston Smiles are here to help and can identify if your wisdom teeth will be a cause for a concern and provide tailored solutions. We can advise and answer any question you may have with the extraction process and provide assistance in case of emergency.

Wisdom teeth tend to grow later than other permanent teeth, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood.  They are often referred to the back molar that typically erupt later than the rest of your permanent teeth.
Issues arise if there isn’t enough room in your mouth for these new teeth and so they may erupt in a problematic way and this may be felt by bouts of infection, discomfort, decay or even cysts.
From an early age, our dentists monitor kids’ eruption patterns and oral hygiene habits for signs that their wisdom teeth might cause some trouble.
If we notice they start playing up, there are options we can provide you. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a minor procedure in the gums to help the wisdom tooth come through.
Alternatively, the dentists at Preston Smiles may recommend removing some or all of your wisdom teeth.

*Any surgical procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

A lot of our patients often ask us if they should have their wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthetic or be put under a general anaesthetic (GA).
This is often a difficult question to answer, and it is on a case by case basis. The team at Preston Smiles can explain your circumstances and work with you to determine a tailored treatment plan.
No one at Preston Smiles want you to feel uncomfortable or anxious about getting wisdom teeth removed, but the costs of general anaesthetics can be prohibitive.
A general rule of thumb is that if it’s a complex case or there is severe dental phobia or anxiety, we recommend getting the wisdom teeth removed along with any other dental procedure (for the anxious or dental phobics) under general anesthetic and these can be organised through our clinic.

Recovery time

The team at Preston Smiles can explain instructions for recovery and what you can expect based on your procedure and individual circumstances. They’ll advise you on recovery and possible side effects – this should happen before removal.

Wisdom teeth tend to be large, so you may need stitches after they’re removed. Removal may cause swelling or some bleeding for the first few days, but over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain. Our dentists or in-house surgeons will provide instructions; don’t hesitate to ask for take-home material like a pamphlet or print-out that explains recovery instructions, or ask for a number you can call if you have questions about your recovery.

Eating and drinking

In the first 24 hours after removal, it is best to avoid applying pressure or suction to the wound. Try to be gentle if you need to rinse your mouth.

It’s best to stick to a soft diet such as soup or mashed potato – aim for soft dishes that minimise chewing. Your dentist or surgeon will recommend when you can start reincorporating foods from your regular diet; many people often wait about four days before trying to return to harder or chewier foods.

Minimising your risk of dry socket

Extracting an adult tooth leaves an empty socket, and a blood clot usually forms here. This blood clot functions almost as a kind of protective blanket, covering any bone or nerve endings that are exposed. If it doesn’t develop or becomes dislodged, this can cause pain and may allow food debris to settle into the socket. Be on the lookout for any pain in the first few days after your extraction. Contact us if you start experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth, jaws, face or neck.

Sometimes dry socket occurs for reasons outside of your control. However, using alcohol, tobacco or certain contraceptives during your recovery period can certainly increase risk of dry socket. It’s important to follow our instructions closely so that you can lower your chances of developing it. If you are not sure about what you are experiencing, we are only a phone call away and here to help.

Hygiene

Usually, you can resume brushing your teeth gently, as per your normal routine, after the surgery.

Every team member at Preston Smiles is committed to help, Call us and we will help you the best way possible.