What to expect when getting your wisdom tooth removed

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to come in, usually appearing in the late teenage years or early adulthood. They can cause problems if they don't have enough room to come in properly, leading to pain, infection, and other issues. In some cases these may need to be removed, they can sometimes be removed at your local dentist or in other cases you will need to see a specialist such as a oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Here is what you can expect when getting your wisdom tooth removed:

Consultation: The first step in the process of wisdom tooth removal is to consult with a dentist. You can do this during your routine examination and clean, or can book a consultation appointment if they’re starting to give you trouble. During this consultation, the dentist will assess your oral health and determine if wisdom tooth extraction is indicated. Often, the dentist will want to take x-rays of the wisdom teeth and may want to take an OPG (Orthopantomagram) which is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. This type of x-ray will show the roots of the wisdom teeth and will help the dentist to determine if the wisdom teeth can be taken out safely within the normal dental practice setting. If they can, the dentist will discuss any potential risks and benefits of the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

If they can’t be taken out at your local practice, you will need a referral to see a specialist. If you do need a referral, the dentist will send your records, including any x-rays with the referral to the specialist for you. There are several options available, such as having your wisdom teeth extracted while you are currently in the specialists practice or under general anaesthesia with the specialist.

Preparation: If your dentist determines that wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, they will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for the procedure if it is to be undertaken un their practice. This may include stopping smoking to improve idealic healing, adjusting any medications that may interfere with the procedure and a consultation with your GP regarding the adjustment of any prescriptions.

Procedure: Wisdom tooth extraction is typically a surgical procedure. This means the dentist may need to cut the wisdom tooth into pieces to remove it, you may have stiches after the procedure, or they may be so ready to come out they’re no trouble at all. The thing about wisdom teeth is that every single case is different to the next. Your dentist is highly trained and should only undertake extractions that they feel are within their scope of practice and skill level. The procedure can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the number of wisdom teeth to be extracted.

After the procedure: After the wisdom tooth has been removed, the dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any pain or discomfort. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any concerns at all following your procedure, you should follow-up with a phone call to your dentist’s practice.

Follow-up care: If required, your Dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment approximately 1 week after your procedure. This is to check on the healing process and ensure that the extraction site is healing properly, it may also be to remove any stitches. It is important to attend this appointment as scheduled to ensure that there are no complications.

If you’ve been putting off a discussion about your wisdom teeth, why not make the call on 3348 6661 to our professional and caring team to see what is the best treatment option for you.