Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal | Emergency Dentistry

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to grow in the very back of your mouth and are therefore  also known as third molars. Typically, people have four wisdom teeth. Described according to their location, these are: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. You may get any combination of these or none.

Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 – 25. When they don’t grow correctly, they can become misaligned. This can result in impacted wisdom teeth and cause painful dental complications.

Suffering from wisdom teeth pain?

Schedule a consultation with Dentists of Dandenong at (03) 9791 9688.

Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?

If wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow in the back of the mouth, they can grow sideways and emerge through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. This can cause jaw pain and stiffness.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also create an opening in the gum where bacteria can collect, leading to infections in the gums and decay in the wisdom tooth and/or the adjacent teeth.

Preventative Dentistry Dandenong
Wisdom teeth must be removed

How do I know if my wisdom teeth must be removed?

Typical signs of an impacted wisdom tooth include:

  • Jaw stiffness.
  • Limited mouth opening.
  • Pain in back teeth.
  • Swollen gums at the back of the mouth.

Have your dentist check your wisdom teeth immediately, if you notice these symptoms.

Wisdom tooth removal procedure

The team at Dentists of Dandenong is well-trained in wisdom teeth removal. However, in some cases a referral to an oral surgeon may be necessary.

Our dentists will:

  • assess your situation using X-rays
  • use local anaesthesia, to completely numb your teeth and gums (on some occasions, general anaesthetic may be suggested)
  • create an access opening in the tooth to reach the infected pulp
  • remove the infected or dead pulp
  • clean and disinfect the root canal system
  • fill the cleaned root canals with a biocompatible material
  • restore the tooth with a filling or a dental crown
Wisdom tooth removal

What to expect after a wisdom teeth extraction

The healing process begins once the teeth have been extracted. We’ll provide care instructions to ensure proper healing.

Many people experience pain and swelling after the procedure, which usually goes away after a few days.

During the first 24 hours, your gums may continue to bleed slightly. Some of the activities you can do to improve the healing process –

  • Bite down on a gauze pad and change it when they become moistened with blood.
  • Place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling.
  • Eat only soft foods and avoid drinking out of a straw, as the sucking motion can loosen the clot.
  • Use prescribed painkillers, to help ease any discomfort.
  • Prop up your head with pillows, to improve the healing process.
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise during this period, to prevent excessive bleeding.

Bleeding should stop after 24 hours. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call your dentist immediately.

The information provided here is for general purposes only. Please consult your dentist for specific advice regarding your treatments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Wisdom Tooth Emergency

Signs of a wisdom tooth emergency include intense throbbing pain, swelling in the jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, bad taste or smell coming from the affected area, and sometimes fever. If you experience these symptoms, contact an emergency dentist in Dandenong immediately.

Treatment may involve pain management, antibiotics for infection and often wisdom tooth removal. Your emergency dentist near Endeavour Hills will evaluate the severity of your situation. If extraction is required, it will perform it under local anaesthesia, to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Regular dental check-ups can help monitor wisdom teeth’ growth and emergence. Early detection of potential problems can lead to preventative treatments, reducing the risk of emergencies. However, some emergencies can still occur unexpectedly.

If you suspect your wisdom tooth is impacted (not fully emerged and misaligned), schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist near Keysborough. They can perform X-rays to determine the tooth’s position and discuss possible treatment options to prevent complications.

While home remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment, you can temporarily manage pain with over-the-counter pain medication, saltwater rinses and cold compresses to the area. These can provide relief until you see an emergency dentist near Endeavour Hills.

You should see a dentist immediately if the pain is severe and lasts more than a couple of days or if you experience symptoms like fever, excessive swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. Infection can spread into your bloodstream impacting your health.

Complications can include infection, damage to neighbouring teeth, cysts and even the development of tumours. Untreated issues can also cause significant pain and impact your overall oral health.

During the extraction, you will receive local anaesthesia to numb the area. The dentist will make an incision in the gum to remove the tooth. After removal, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be used to help with healing. Post-operative care instructions will be provided.