Having your wisdom teeth removed is a fairly common procedure, yet an element of mystery surrounds it. If you suspect you may need wisdom tooth removal, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the process.

Wisdom teeth are known as the third molar and are the teeth furthest back in your mouth on all four sides. They are the last teeth to erupt, typically in your late teens or early 20s.

Though some wisdom teeth come through without causing any issues, if your mouth lacks the space for these large teeth, or are already crooked, they will need removal or treatment.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

As your third molar, wisdom teeth were historically necessary to grind the tough meats, raw plants and hard nuts that comprised our primitive diet for proper digestion. However, we no longer need our wisdom teeth as our bodies have been through dietary and evolutionary changes.

If wisdom teeth erupt in their correct position, they only support the backs of our mouths and preserve bone.

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth often emerge through gum tissue at an angle and sit against other teeth which is known as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and occasionally cause infection. Brushing your teeth can become difficult and trapped food and bacteria between your wisdom teeth and neighbouring teeth can lead to tooth decay and pericoronitis.

Crowding is another reason your dentist will suggest a wisdom teeth removal procedure. Crowded wisdom teeth can cause ulcers and chewing problems from rubbing against your cheeks.

Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dental professionals will take x-rays and scans throughout your life to observe if there is enough space in your mouth for fully erupted wisdom teeth or if wisdom teeth will cause future dental problems and it’s best to remove them when they begin to emerge. Trust the diagnosis process by dental professionals. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ situation when it comes to wisdom teeth diagnosis and every recommendation is based on the person’s individual circumstance.

The extraction process can be safer, easier and has a faster recovery process when you are a young adult compared to later in life, as the wisdom teeth roots are not yet fully formed and less likely to be fused to the bone (ankylosis).

That being said, if you are experiencing severe pain at the back of your mouth, widespread tooth decay, infection, swelling, jaw stiffness and damage to other teeth, it is best to consult a dental professional about the process of removing wisdom teeth.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Pre-surgery preparation

After consultations with your dentist and oral surgeon and with the aid of x-rays, it may be recommended that you undergo wisdom teeth removal.

Before the procedure, follow any oral hygiene and dietary instructions from your dentist. These may vary depending on the anesthesia and sedation required for the procedure. This includes avoiding alcohol and tobacco use at least 8 hours before your appointment.

Be sure to brush your teeth before the appointment and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Have a confirmed transport arrangement prepared for afterwards, as you should not drive for 24 hours after the oral surgery, according to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists guidelines.

Organise a couple of days off from work or school and purchase soft foods that do not require chewing, like yogurt, broths and soups, and later oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and very soft pasta.

The procedure

The type of anaesthesia given to you at the dental clinic depends on how difficult the oral surgeon suspects the surgical removal will be.

 

Once you are sedated and given any additional pain medications, the procedure begins with cuts to the gum tissue, exposing the tooth and bone. The surrounding bone that blocks access to the wisdom tooth root is removed and the wisdom tooth is divided into sections. It is easier to remove wisdom teeth in pieces.

After the tooth removal is completed, the surgical site is cleaned of any tooth or bone debris and the surgical wound is stitched up. A gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form, to ensure a better healing process.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Once the anaesthesia wears off, you may notice some bleeding in the early recovery process. This is normal but try not to spit often as the blood clot must form for healing to commence. Replace the gauze as your oral surgeon directs.

To manage pain, your dentist may suggest prescription medication if they suspect you will be in significant discomfort, but ice packs and ibuprofen usually work fine. This will also assist with any swelling or bruising, the latter will take longer to heal, however. You may need to return to the clinic to have the stitches removed.

Eat soft foods, avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages and don’t drink from a straw for at least a week. Similarly, while returning to your normal routine is desirable after a day, try not to partake in exercise that may dissolve blood clots from your tooth sockets.

When brushing your teeth, keep the extraction site clean by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth removal can be expensive, due to the consultations, x-rays and specialised training required to complete them. Unsurprisingly, complex cases where an oral surgeon’s expertise is necessary are more expensive than a regular extraction procedure by a dentist.

A simple extraction can be from $150 to $400 per tooth, but a surgical extraction can be a start frpm $500 per tooth. This does not include any additional fees for the anaesthetist, if one is required.

Most private health insurance plans cover wisdom teeth removal, but you may need extras and hospital insurance. Medicare does not cover dental costs, however, if you are under 17 years old, the Child Dental Benefits Scheme can provide some cover.

If your wisdom teeth need dental treatment, Dr Evan and his team at KB Village Dental on Sydney’s Lower North Shore are here to help. They will assess x-rays and their position among adjacent teeth and recommend the appropriate procedure. Sometimes this is a referral to an oral surgeon, but we can assist with aftercare.

Call (02) 9964 9166 or book an appointment online.

FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal

What should I know before getting my wisdom teeth removed?

Always ask questions before agreeing to any procedure. Question the dentist or oral surgeon for a fee estimate, including wisdom tooth extraction aftercare and the name of the anaesthetist for their fees. Contact your insurer about what coverage they offer, particularly if going to the hospital.

Why is day 3 the worst after wisdom teeth removal?

There is the most discomfort and pain on the third day after wisdom teeth removal surgery because the swelling reaches its maximum peak, the blood clot is still forming at the extraction site, and the anaesthesia has worn off.