Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

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When wisdom teeth start to enter your mouth, we usually call it an “eruption” and for a good reason. Anyone who has had their wisdom teeth impacted will tell you that is one of the most, if not the most painful experience to have in our lifespan. Fortunately, the wisdom teeth of some people appear with little to no trouble. But for the less fortunate of us who experience the erupting pain brought by these pesky molars, your dentist may suggest a wisdom teeth removal procedure.

But what exactly are wisdom teeth and why do they hurt so much? Let’s find out.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the final set of teeth that appear in our late teens or early twenties. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth.

Wisdom teeth were an important part of the oral structure of our human ancestors. The third molar helped ancient humans to grind and digest cellulose from plant tissue. But with the evolution of our agriculture and diet, wisdom teeth have lost their function and become vestigial structures.

Why do wisdom teeth hurt?

Wisdom teeth pain during eruption mainly comes from their poor alignment. They can be angled inward or outward, affecting adjacent teeth and the jawbone. Wisdom teeth can also become impacted. The tooth partially breaks through the gum causing it to trap food and plaque, and result in a gum swelling. Since wisdom teeth are hard to reach, they are more prone to infection, tooth decay, and other gum diseases.

When should I get my wisdom teeth checked?

While most people usually consult the dentist only when the pain erupts, top Sydney dentists recommend people aged 16-19 to have their wisdom teeth checked. Your dentist will check the presence of your wisdom teeth and their alignment. Depending on their observation, they may recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted before complications arise. Complications include gum infection or cysts of the wisdom tooth, and decay, malalignment or root shrinkage of the adjacent teeth.

Dentists prefer getting your wisdom teeth checked sooner rather than later. It is much easier to remove the wisdom teeth from patients in their late teens or early twenties since the wisdom teeth’s roots are not yet solidly attached to the jawbone. Wisdom teeth extraction can pose a higher risk of infection and nerve damage to older patients.  

How does wisdom teeth removal work?

During your dentist consultation for your wisdom tooth extraction, they will explain the entirety of the procedure and collect important information about your medical history. They will then use X-ray or modern 3D imaging to determine the position of your wisdom tooth.

The relative ease of the procedure for wisdom teeth removal depends on their alignment. A wisdom tooth that has erupted can be extracted rather easily. A tooth that is still embedded in the jawbone underneath the gums will require a more in-depth procedure which may involve the removal of some of the bone.

The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia or sleep dentistry (IV sedation). If needed, the dentist will make an incision in the gums. The bone supporting the tooth is lifted and the tooth is then extracted gently. The recess left by the tooth is then covered and stitched. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Where can I undergo wisdom teeth removal?

Get your wisdom teeth checked even before they cause you discomfort. If you are from the Ryde, West Ryde, Gladesville and Meadowbank areas, you may visit our friendly dental experts at Putney Dental Care. Come to our dental clinic that is conveniently located at Suite 5, 227 Morrison Rd, Putney, NSW 2112. To book an appointment, call us on (02) 9808 2588.

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