Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine oral surgery that dentists often perform to maintain your overall oral health and prevent future dental problems.
Your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are at the back of your mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
These teeth are considered vestigial structures, meaning they are remnants from our ancestors who needed them to grind raw vegetation, nuts, roots, and meat. With the advent of cooked foods and using utensils to cut food into smaller pieces, wisdom teeth have become less necessary.
It’s common for people to have one, two, three, or even all four wisdom teeth—one in each quadrant of the mouth: upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. However, some individuals may not develop any wisdom teeth at all. The presence or absence of wisdom teeth is simply a variation of normal and reflects ongoing evolutionary changes in humans.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to develop.
They typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties.
In many cases, wisdom teeth can grow adequately aligned and healthy, but often, they are misaligned or impacted, leading to the need for removal.
8 Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
There are several reasons why you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
- Impaction: One or more wisdom teeth may be impacted, partially or fully trapped within your gums or jawbone.
- Misalignment: Your wisdom teeth could have grown crooked or sideways.
- Pain: You may experience discomfort near the back of your mouth.
- Food Trapping: Food and debris may get trapped around your wisdom teeth, leading to hygiene issues.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can develop, especially around your molars, due to difficulty in cleaning access.
- Decay: Tooth decay (cavities) might occur in a wisdom tooth that has partially emerged.
- Cysts: A cyst, or fluid-filled sac, may develop around one or more of your wisdom teeth.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Nearby teeth or bone may be damaged by the presence of wisdom teeth.
Often, dentists recommend the removal of wisdom teeth as a precautionary measure. Even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms, extracting these teeth can prevent potential problems such as infections and further tooth decay.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Step 1) Pre-Surgical Assessment
Examination
A dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if they need to be removed.
Discussion
The healthcare provider will discuss the findings, the need for removal, potential risks, and the extraction method.
Step 2) Types of Anesthesia
Anesthesia
Depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s comfort, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia will be administered. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth, sedation helps you relax, and general anesthesia makes you sleep through the procedure.
Sterilization
The area around the wisdom tooth is cleaned and prepared to prevent infection.
3) Extraction Process
Incision
If the tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gum), the surgeon might make a small cut in the gum to expose the tooth and bone.
Removal of Bone
Any bone blocking access to the root of the tooth may be removed.
Tooth Sectioning
Sometimes, the tooth is cut into smaller pieces to make removing it easier.
Tooth Extraction
The tooth is loosened and removed using specialized dental tools.
4) Post-Extraction
Cleaning the Site
After removing the tooth, the surgeon will clean the area and remove any debris from the tooth or bone.
Stitching
The gum may be sutured, especially if an incision is made. These stitches usually dissolve over time.
Gauze Placement
A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to help stop the bleeding and aid in clot formation.
Recovery and Aftercare from Wisdom Tooth Removal
Immediate Aftercare
Recovery typically takes a few days. It’s essential to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and follow your dentist’s instructions on pain management and oral hygiene.
Managing Swelling and Pain
Swelling and mild discomfort are normal after surgery. Ice packs and prescribed pain medication can help manage these symptoms.
Eating and Drinking
To prevent dislodging the blood clot in the socket, stick to soft foods and avoid drinking through straws, smoking, or spitting excessively.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial for healing. Gentle brushing around the extraction site and saltwater rinses can help keep the area clean.
Potential Complications
Dry Socket
A painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or does not form properly.
Infection
Signs include severe pain, swelling, fever, and pus.
Nerve Damage
Rare but can result in temporary or permanent sensation changes.
Does Private Health Cover Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Whether private health insurance covers wisdom tooth removal in Australia depends on the specific policy and your coverage level. Here are some general points to consider:
- Hospital Cover vs. Extras Cover: Wisdom tooth extractions can be covered under hospital cover if performed in a hospital and require general anesthesia. Extras cover might benefit wisdom tooth removal performed in a dental clinic under local anesthesia. It’s important to check if dental surgery is included in your policy.
- Waiting Periods: Many policies include waiting periods for dental procedures, which means you may need to hold the policy for a certain period (typically 12 months for major dental work) before claiming benefits for wisdom tooth removal.
- Annual Limits and Co-Payments: Check for yearly limits on how much you can claim for dental procedures. Also, you might need to pay a gap or co-payment, which is the difference between what the dentist charges and your insurance covers.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If the need for wisdom tooth removal is considered a pre-existing condition, there might be a longer waiting period before you can claim benefits.
It’s advisable to contact your health insurance provider directly to confirm the specifics of what your policy covers regarding wisdom tooth removal.
Take the Next Step Towards Optimal Oral Health
Wisdom tooth extractions, while common, can be a source of anxiety for many.
Choosing a dental provider with expertise and who prioritizes your comfort and well-being is essential.
If you’re considering wisdom tooth extraction or seeking an assessment to understand your needs better, Amazing Smiles Dental Clinics is here to assist you.
At Amazing Smiles, we are highly experienced in providing pain-free and gentle wisdom tooth removal treatments.
Our team of skilled dental professionals ensures your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We use the latest techniques and technologies to minimize discomfort and expedite recovery.
Get a Wisdom Tooth Removed By a Dentist Near Me
Our locally trusted dentists understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we take the time to provide personalized care and attention.
From the initial assessment to the extraction and post-operative care, our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of dental service.
Don’t let the uncertainty of wisdom tooth removal weigh on you.
Trust the experts at Amazing Smiles Dental Clinics for your oral health needs.
We invite you to visit us for a comprehensive assessment and to experience our gentle approach to wisdom tooth extractions.
Your comfort and oral health are our top priorities.
Our dental clinics across South East Queensland vary as preferred providers with the following:
- Amazing Smiles Dentist Gold Coast: Bupa, Medibank, MBF, CBHS, HCF, TUH, Westfund.
- Amazing Smiles Dentist Logan: Bupa, Medibank, NIB, CBHS, HCF.
- Amazing Smiles Dentist Bray Park: NIB, CDBS, HCF, TUH, Australian Unity.
- Amazing Smiles Dentist Wynnum: CBHS, HCF, MBF, BUPA.
- Amazing Smiles Dentist Jimboomba: NIB, HCF, TUH, CBHS.
