Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that develop in a set of teeth, and while useful, often need to be removed due to common problems that arise with them.
Extraction of wisdom teeth are a common procedure. Here at MPW Dentistry there are many different ways that you can be treated for your wisdom teeth. The range of treatment starts from in the chair with just:

• Local anaesthetic
• Relative Analgesia also known as “happy gas”
• Intravenous sedation or “twilight sleep” as it is sometimes referred to as. This is administered by Dr Walker. General Anaesthesia done by an anaesthetist on our premises.

The decision on what treatment is chosen depends on the complexity of the wisdom teeth or any concerns or fears you may have regarding the surgery.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections in the mouth. This generally happens when the wisdom teeth partially emerge from the gum allowing bacteria to cause infections.
As they are impacted and at the very back of the mouth, it is hard to access the area with a tooth brush to clean thoroughly. This can also pose a problem for the tooth in front as the bacteria gets trapped and can decay both teeth. Worst case scenario you end up having to take out both teeth.

WHEN TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH

It is highly recommended for wisdom teeth to be extracted before the pain becomes too severe or infection sets in. Ideally it is recommended to remove wisdom teeth when it is known that they are going to impact and provide a future problem.
The best age for wisdom teeth removal is around the ages of 17-25. When the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed. The dentist can see whether you will need them extracted by taking an OPG (Orthopantomogram) x-ray. An OPG is a panoramic x-ray of the lower face, which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. It is a great way to show position and growth of all teeth including un-erupted teeth.
Having said this wisdom teeth can stay dormant for a long period of time and pose problems at any age.
Signs of wisdom teeth pain can be all or some of the symptoms mentioned below.

• Tenderness and jaw pain
• Redness
• Swelling of the gum
• Bad taste in mouth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty of opening jaw wide

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is highly recommended that you call our reception at MPW Dentistry for an appointment right away.
Ignoring the symptoms can cause greater problems in the future and complicate surgery and recovery time.
Antibiotics which are prescribed to control any infection that may occur to infected wisdom teeth are only a temporary solution.
Common symptoms of wisdom teeth infection include:

• Swelling of gums around the teeth swelling of lymph nodes
• Limited jaw opening
• Extreme pain

WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION REMOVAL

Depending on how developed, impacted or infected a wisdom tooth may be determine the extent of the surgery.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a little more involved than regular teeth extractions.
Wisdom teeth often have to be surgically removed. This means cutting tissue and removing some of the surrounding bone to expose the tooth. In teeth that are highly compacted the tooth has to be sectioned to be removed.
Regardless of the treatment the area you are working on needs to be numbed. This process starts with a topical anaesthetic followed by the injection.
Here at MPW we offer all ranges of treatment for wisdom teeth extraction including Relative Analgesia (happy gas) to make you more relaxed with the procedure.
Intravenous sedation (twilight sleep). This process includes fasting and a vein being picked up by a needle in which the sedative drugs are administered through. Intravenous sedation helps put the patient into a deep conscious state. Like being a sleep. This procedure is carried out by Dr Michael Walker who has many years of experience .He is also the examiner for the post graduate Conscious Sedation Diploma.
General Anaesthesia is also provided in surgery at MPW Dentistry this process also includes fasting and drugs are administered through a vein. A mask is also placed over your face to breathe a gas to put you to sleep or “put under” by an anaesthetist. The anaesthetist monitors your breathing and vitals closely.
Once the wisdom tooth has been removed a dressing maybe placed in the wound to assist in healing.
Sometimes stitches are required. They can take 7-10 days to dissolve.
PUT WISDOM TEETH CARE INSTRUCTION UP AND BEFORE AND AFTER ANAESTHETIC INSTRUCTIONS. TO BE EMAILED TO YOU.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery?
It is ideal to rest as much as you can post wisdom teeth removal. The initial healing can take from three days until a week. This is when you will experience the most unpleasant symptoms. Recovery can often take up to a few weeks after the surgery.
Most of the pain should subside in that first week so you can get back to your regular routine.
If the pain continues for any longer period of time it is advised you call our surgery to come in for a follow up check.

COMPLICATIONS

There are a small percentage of Complications that occur with wisdom teeth removal. If the area around the extraction site becomes increasingly more painful you may have what is referred to as a dry socket. This is when for whatever reason the healing socket becomes dry, usually because the clot was dislodged. This can be sorted by visiting Dr Walker at MPW Dentistry and having a dressing placed inside the wound and a course of antibiotics.
With lower wisdom teeth extractions there can be a small risk of numbness to the bottom lip, or tongue. If the area feels numb for more than 24 hours you may have what is called paraesthesia. You can have temporary numbness from internal swelling. This tends to go away as the area heals. In very rare cases the roots of the wisdom teeth are close to the nerve and some damage can occur at the time of the extraction. As a reminder, this is a good reason to have wisdom teeth out sooner rather than later.

MPW Dentistry Vs Day Surgery

Unfortunately when impacted wisdom teeth need removing they need to be surgically removed.
Your dentist will generally recommend a General Anaesthetic due to the work involved.
Unfortunately, a GA (General Anaesthetic) for many often involves the cost of going to a day surgery or hospital. If you are a patient who does not have private health cover this can be an expensive exercise.
Fortunately at Dr Walkers’ surgery we can offer sedation in- house. Therefore your wisdom teeth
can be removed without incurring high costs. For patients whose wisdom teeth require greater
surgical intervention we have our own outpatient General Anaesthetic facility for the removal of
these teeth and you can avoid the high costs of a hospital visit.