Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth don’t always cause issues but should be removed in a number of cases.

Wisdom teeth are the molars that are located at the back of the mouth. They typically erupt between the late teens and early twenties, and interestingly, are not actually necessary for our modern diets and eating habits. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not cause any problems. They can, however, lead to a number of complications, particularly if they do not erupt through the gum properly, or if they are misaligned. Read on to find out when wisdom teeth should be removed and what the process involves…

When is an extraction necessary?

If your wisdom teeth are completely healthy, have fully erupted and are properly positioned, you may not need to have them removed. As long as you are able to clean them thoroughly as part of your usual oral hygiene routine, and they are not causing any damage to your other teeth, you may be able to keep your wisdom teeth intact.

In many cases, however, there is simply not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to grow as they should. When there is insufficient space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly, they can cause damage to the surrounding teeth or become crowded. If your wisdom teeth come in at the incorrect angle, they may push against your other teeth and cause damage.

If your wisdom teeth are not able to erupt through the gums, they can become impacted. This can lead to infection and pain. Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt only partially through the gums, which can lead to a range of issues, including infection and gum disease.

Your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed if you are suffering from tooth decay or gum disease in this area of the mouth. Wisdom teeth can be hard to reach with a toothbrush, which means that oral health issues often affect them. By having your wisdom teeth removed, it is often possible to improve your overall oral health and hygiene.

What does the procedure involve?

The wisdom teeth extraction procedure is performed under an anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the treatment itself. Your dentist will carefully remove your wisdom teeth. If necessary, incisions will be made in your gums to remove the teeth. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour to complete.

After the procedure is complete and the effects of the anaesthetic has worn off, you are likely to experience some discomfort and swelling. These side effects may last for some time, and your dentist will let you know how best to manage any pain. You will need to keep the site of surgery clean by rinsing with salt water, and it is advisable to stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods while your mouth recovers. Some good options include mashed fruits and vegetables like potatoes and avocados, yoghurt, soup and scrambled eggs.

How can we help?

At Murwillumbah Dental, we offer wisdom teeth extraction for patients who are experiencing any issues like misalignment of the wisdom teeth; insufficient space in the mouth; impaction and infection. We encourage our patients to address any wisdom teeth-related issues at an early stage to prevent further complications from developing later on. If you would like to find out more about the wisdom teeth extraction procedure, please have a look here.

Besides wisdom teeth removal, we also offer a range of other general dentistry services. These include dental check-ups and cleans; root canal treatments and tooth-coloured restorations. We also offer a number of cosmetic, restorative, children’s, orthodontic and laser dentistry services. To see the full list of treatments that we offer, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please get in touch here or give us a call on (02) 6672 1068. We look forward to helping you improve and maintain your oral health.