Your Go-To Dentists for Safe, Reliable Wisdom Teeth Removal
in Miranda

Wisdom teeth are the final set of adult teeth that usually erupt during the late teens or early twenties. They are also known as “third molars” and are located in the very back of the mouth. These teeth can be valuable when they erupt properly aligned, offering additional chewing power.

However, wisdom teeth can get stuck underneath the gums or jawbone, making it difficult for them to erupt fully. This is known as “impacted wisdom teeth” and commonly happens when there’s insufficient space in the jaw. The impaction of third molars can lead to potential problems such as pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Due to these issues, the removal of wisdom teeth is recommended to prevent future dental complications.

As we’ve mentioned, wisdom teeth extraction might be necessary in some cases. Various reasons can include the following:

• Impaction:
  Wisdom teeth that fail to emerge properly can become trapped (impacted) within the jaw, potentially leading to severe pain or oral infection.
• Crowding:
  The arrival of wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth, crowding nearby teeth. This can disrupt their alignment and might necessitate orthodontic work.
• Cavities:
  Partially emerged wisdom teeth can create hard-to-reach areas between the gum line. Food debris can accumulate in those pockets, which can make one more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
• Gum disease:
  The difficult-to-clean areas around the wisdom teeth can lead to painful inflammatory gum conditions known as pericoronitis, which can be detrimental to oral health.

The wisdom teeth extraction commonly involves several key steps:

• Pre-surgical assessment:
  Your dentist will perform a detailed examination of your mouth using dental tools like X-rays. This assessment will help them determine the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the appropriate approach to their removal.
• Anaesthesia:
  Before extracting your third molars, you will receive anaesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Options for sedation or general anesthesia are discussed during the initial consultation. The choice of anaesthesia will be based on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort.
• Extraction process:
  The dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the wisdom tooth and bone. Bone will be removed, and the tooth may be sectioned into smaller parts for easier extraction, particularly if it is deeply embedded or impacted. There will be fewer incisions if your wisdom tooth has already broken through the gums.
• Wound cleaning:
  After the removal of the tooth, the area is cleaned to dislodge debris or fragments from the tooth or bone.
• Suturing:
  The gums are sutured to close the incision area and to aid in healing. Some stitches dissolve over time, but others may need to be returned to the dentist for removal.
• Aftercare instructions:
  Instructions regarding recovery and pain management is provided, including medications, diet, and oral hygiene practices.

The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from patient to patient, usually spanning five days to two weeks. It significantly depends on the complexity of your procedure and your oral health. More invasive removal of wisdom teeth commonly takes longer to recover from than simple tooth extraction.

Here’s a general timeline and what you may experience during the healing period:

• First 24 hours:
  Immediate rest is recommended to prevent further bleeding in the wound area. On the first day following the procedure, you can expect swelling, slight bleeding, and discomfort. Following post-op instructions can help these be managed easily.
• Two to three days:
  Over the next few days, you may notice that the swelling, soreness, and pain peak and then gradually subside. Applying an ice pack to the sides of your cheeks can help alleviate the pain.
• One week:
  Jaw soreness should wear off during this time. The dentist usually removes any stitches that don’t dissolve on their own.
• Two weeks:
  Most of the significant healing occurs, though some activities might still be restricted.

These symptoms are normal during recovery. But if you feel uncommon reactions like numbness or tingling in your lips, tongue, or face, please notify your dentist. These are unusual symptoms, so it may be necessary to have an oral healthcare professional evaluate them.

At Refresh Dental Care, we will keep you informed by discussing your personalised treatment plan with you. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeline of your healing period based on your specific situation. This way, you can prepare beforehand.

After the procedure of removing wisdom teeth, it’s important to follow specific precautions for optimal recovery:

• Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw:
  To protect the blood clot in the surgical area, avoid rinsing your mouth, spitting, or using a straw when drinking for the first 24 hours. Such actions can create air suction in your mouth that could dislodge the clot, delaying healing.
• Rest adequately:
  Allow yourself to relax and rest, particularly during the first three days, to help your body recover strength after the oral surgery. Avoid participating in strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy equipment, working out, or running. It will help reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Apply ice packs:
  Put ice packs on the cheek near the extraction site. Cold or ice therapy can be beneficial for managing swelling after the extraction of third molars.
• Opt for a soft diet:
  Eat soft foods like soup and yoghurt and gradually reintroduce solid foods as your healing progresses. Otherwise, hard or chewy foods increase the risk of damaging the blood clot in the surgical area.
• Gentle brushing:
  As per your dentist’s advice, you may continue brushing your teeth but skip certain areas at the back of your mouth. This is important so as to avoid introducing bacteria or poking your extraction site. Try to rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
• Quit smoking:
  Try to avoid smoking, particularly during the first few days of removing the wisdom teeth. Smoking cigarettes can hinder the healing process after tooth extraction.

Overall, it’s crucial to keep the surgical site clean while avoiding any actions that could hinder healing. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and proper oral hygiene will support your recovery process.

For more specific precautions and detailed post-surgery care instructions, consult directly with your dentist at Refresh Dental Care. Our team can provide you with tailored recommendations to help make your healing process as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Choosing soft and easy-to-consume foods can help you with the recovery process following a wisdom teeth extraction. Here are some recommended options:

• Smoothies:
  Packed with nutrients, they’re gentle on the mouth
• Soups:
  Warm (not hot) soups that are smooth in texture
• Mashed potatoes:
  Soft and easy to eat, providing comfort and nutrition
• Yoghurt:
  A smooth, cooling choice that’s rich in protein
• Pudding:
  Offers a soft and soothing dessert option
• Scrambled eggs:
  A protein-rich food that’s gentle on the mouth
• Apple sauce:
  Smooth and rich in dietary fibre, facilitating digestion
• Oatmeal:
  Soft-cooked oatmeal is comforting and offers good nutrition, though it’s best to wait until at least the second day after surgery before eating it.
• Soft fruits:
  Bananas, peaches, and other soft fruits can be eaten without much chewing. To help you eat them, try cutting them into small pieces.

Please consult your trusted dentist for more comprehensive guidance on the list of foods you can eat while you’re recovering from the wisdom teeth procedure.

It’s generally advised to take at least a day or two off work or school following the procedure of removing wisdom teeth. This time allows for initial recovery and helps manage symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, or discomfort that may occur after the procedure. Taking this short break can aid in a smoother recovery process and minimise complications.

Scheduling an appointment at Refresh Dental Care can be helpful for personalised advice on recovery and whether you should take time off. Our team can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific situation to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. It’s unnecessary if they are healthy, fully erupted, properly aligned, and can be cleaned as part of daily oral hygiene practices. However, when there’s insufficient space in the mouth, these third molars can’t erupt properly and become impacted. In such cases, keeping them can lead to serious risks and complications.

The risks associated with keeping impacted wisdom teeth include:

• Infection:
  The position of wisdom teeth can make them hard to clean. It creates a gum flap or pockets between teeth and gums where food debris and plaque can get stuck, increasing the risks of bacterial growth, decay, and infection.
• Severe pain:
  The emergence of wisdom teeth can put pressure on the gums, which can cause excruciating discomfort from time to time. Also, dental complications caused by impacted third molars, such as tooth decay, infection, and gum inflammation, can be painful.
• Damage to adjacent teeth:
  Wisdom teeth pushing against neighbouring teeth can damage tooth roots. This may cause teeth to shift, leading to misalignment or other dental issues.
• Cysts and tumours:
  Cysts can form around wisdom teeth, potentially leading to the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.
• Gum disease:
  Difficulty in cleaning impacted teeth can lead to periodontal disease.

For detailed information on the risks and considerations of keeping or removing wisdom teeth, consult a dentist. Don’t hesitate to call Refresh Dental Care to assess your third molar and oral health. We can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal in Miranda is necessary for you.