Oral Surgery: Wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom Teeth Extraction - Expert Oral Surgery in Springvale & Abbotsford
Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures performed on the teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures. At Richmond & Springvale Dental Group, we specialise in providing comprehensive oral surgery solutions to address your dental health needs.
In addition to our expert oral surgery services, we offer emergency dental services to handle any urgent issues that may arise, ensuring prompt and effective care for unexpected dental problems.
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What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth or the third molars are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people never develop wisdom teeth, and others might have them come in partially or completely impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum line or bone.
Why Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
While some wisdom teeth erupt normally and cause no problems, others can lead to various issues if there isn’t enough space for them to grow properly. Here are some reasons why wisdom teeth removal might be recommended by your dentist:
Impaction
This is the most common reason for wisdom teeth removal. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it’s prevented from full eruption by bone or tissue. This can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to neighbouring teeth.
Pain and discomfort
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on nearby teeth and nerves, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness in the jaw.
Infection
Food particles can easily get trapped around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) or infection (periodontitis).
Damage to other teeth
Crowded wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and bite problems.
Cyst formation
In rare instances, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to the formation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) around the tooth’s root, potentially resulting in damage to the jawbone.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The type of wisdom teeth removal procedure you’ll need depends on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Here’s a breakdown of the two main types:
Simple Extraction
This is the most common type of wisdom teeth removal for teeth that have erupted fully or partially through the gum line. A local anaesthetic numbs the area around the tooth, and the dentist uses gentle forceps to loosen and remove the tooth.
Surgical Extraction
This procedure is needed for impacted wisdom teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line or bone. It might involve making a small incision in the gum tissue and removing some bone to access the tooth. The tooth is then sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal, followed by gentle stitching.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal at RS Dental Group
At RS Dental Group, we prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout the wisdom teeth removal process. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation
- You’ll first meet with an RS Dental Group dentist for a consultation.
- The dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to see the position and roots of your wisdom teeth.
- The dentist will then discuss your medical history with you.
- Based on this information, the dentist will recommend the best approach for removing your wisdom teeth.
Pre-operative instructions
- Even before the procedure, we’ll provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions.
This information might include:
- Food and drink restrictions before oral surgery.
- Arranging for transportation after oral surgery (depending on the anaesthesia used).
- Any medications you should take or avoid.
The Procedure
- On the day of your oral surgery, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff.
Depending on your needs and preferences, different anaesthesia options may be available:
- Local anaesthetic: This is the preferred option for most wisdom teeth removals at RS Dental Group. It numbs the area around the wisdom teeth, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You will likely be awake and aware of your surroundings but relaxed.
- General anaesthesia (for complex cases or anxiety): If your wisdom teeth are impacted, require a more complex removal, or you have significant dental anxiety, we may discuss general anaesthesia. This will put you into a complete sleep throughout the procedure.
The dentist will then carefully remove your wisdom teeth.
Simple Wisdom Teeth Removal (30-45 minutes)
- This applies to wisdom teeth that have erupted and are relatively easy to remove.
- In this case, we will use forceps to gently loosen the tooth and remove it from the gum without requiring any surgical incisions.
Surgical Wisdom Teeth Removal (45-60+ minutes)
- This is necessary for impacted wisdom teeth or those that have partially erupted and require more extensive work.
- We’ll carefully open the gum tissue to expose the underlying wisdom tooth.
- Any infected tissue will be removed, and the area will be thoroughly disinfected to ensure proper healing.
- In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted in sections for easier removal.
- It may also involve removing the surrounding bone.
Post-operative care
After your oral surgery, we’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery.
This information will cover:
- How to manage pain.
- Ways to reduce swelling.
- Proper oral hygiene practices.
- Dietary restrictions.
Wisdom Teeth Care You Can Trust
At RS Dental Group, we prioritise your comfort throughout the entire wisdom teeth removal journey. We believe informed patients make the best decisions, so we’ll answer all your questions and address any anxieties you may have. We aim to help you attain a healthy, pain-free smile with minimal interruption. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your wisdom teeth removal options.