Wisdom Teeth Removal

All patients are unique, however in general, wisdom teeth removal may be needed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as:

Pain

Pressure from the wisdom tooth may cause pain in the tooth next to it. Pain can also be caused by infection around the wisdom tooth. If you have pain, come in to see us for an assessment.

Infection

When an impacted wisdom tooth starts to push through the gum, an infection can start around the top of the tooth. Infection and inflammation (swollen, red gums) can cause pain, swelling and jaw stiffness. The infection can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste, swallowing may be painful and you may feel generally unwell. If you have any of these symptoms, please come in to see us for an appointment where we can assess the infection and discuss your options.

Crowding

A wisdom tooth may push nearby teeth out of their correct position.

Cyst

If a wisdom tooth is not removed, a sac of fluid called a cyst can form around the tooth and may displace the tooth. The cyst can destroy bone and damage other teeth and the gums. Cyst formation around unerupted teeth is common and is also easily addressed with wisdom teeth removal.

Ulcer

An upper wisdom tooth may push sideways out of the gum. It may cause an ulcer where it rubs against the inside of the cheek. This can be painful and may need addressing.

A Food Trap

Food becomes trapped between the wisdom tooth and the molar next to it. This can cause cavities in both teeth. If you’re experiencing this, please get in touch to make an appointment.

Resorption Cavity

An impacted wisdom tooth may keep pushing against the molar next to it. This can cause a resorption cavity where the wisdom tooth hits the other molar, which often leads to considerable damage to both teeth. The molars may become infected or abscessed. Removal of both molars is often needed.

After the tooth or teeth have been removed, you will have to rest for a while before you go home. The dentists at Southside Dental Group will check on you as you recover. Do not drive after treatment – a family member or friend should take you home, so make sure you arrange this well in advance.

• Rest at home after the procedure.
• Do not drive, engage in active exercise or operate machinery. Take several days off work or other duties if required.
• Do not drink alcoholic drinks or smoke for 48 hours and while you are taking antibiotics or pain killers.
• Eat soft foods such as soups, blended vegetables and meats, and gelatine for the first two days. Drink lots of water.
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.

Pain may be minor in some people and greater in others. At Southside Dental Group, all patients will be given a script for some painkillers such as Panadeine Forte before leaving the clinic to help reduce the pain. Pain usually starts to decrease after the second day, however, some people may still need pain relief after one week.

If pain does not decrease as the days go by, call us immediately as you may need further attention from our dentists.

Swelling almost always occurs after surgery and can vary from a little to severe. Most swelling takes four to five days to go down completely. Swelling can be reduced by applying ice packs on the cheeks.

All surgery carries some degree of risk, and it is important that you have enough information to weigh up the benefits and risks of wisdom tooth removal.

The following possible complications are listed to inform you, not to alarm you:

• Numbness or altered sensation<
• Nerve damage causing pain
• Dry socket
• Infection
• Difficulty in opening the mouth
• Fever
• Excessive bleeding (Haemorrhage)
• Lip sores
• Damage to nearby tooth or fillings
• Vomiting
• Sinus problems
• Weak jaw