What you need to know about Wisdom Teeth removal in Penrith

When you are suffering wisdom tooth pain you can be forgiven for asking Mother Nature why we even have these bonus back teeth. Human conditioning over the years has almost made wisdom teeth redundant.

They were once handy for prehistoric humans to chew on raw meat and tough grasses, nowadays not needed so much, what with modern diets consisting of smoothies, mashed avocado and soft tacos.

Wisdom teeth are like that one university friend who shows up to the party late and makes a scene. When you need care or advice on these pesky intruders, the crew at Penrith Pacific Smiles Dental are here to help.

Five most asked questions about wisdom teeth

Young adults of Penrith and Western Sydney have lots of concern about wisdom teeth, so let’s deep dive into the big questions.

What are wisdom teeth and why do they need removal?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars, also known as third molars, typically they emerge through the gums in or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth can cause issues such as overcrowding and impacting other teeth, making cleaning difficult and raising the potential for decay or infection.

So, can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Yes. Pain occurs during eruption due to immense pressure on the mouth which can lead to pain in the jaw and headaches. Wisdom tooth removal is often recommended to prevent this pain and discomfort.

Reasons for wisdom tooth removal include:

• Damage to surrounding teeth
• Infection
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay

How is wisdom tooth removal performed in Penrith?

In most cases your dentist will perform a simple extraction in-the-chair or they may refer you to a periodontal surgeon. If the wisdom teeth are compacted or on an angle, a more complex procedure will be required, with a general anaesthetic and incisions in the affected area.

Your dentist at Pacific Smiles Dental Penrith will inform you how to prepare for the wisdom tooth removal and the recovery afterward.

How can I prepare for a wisdom teeth removal appointment at Pacific Smiles Dental Penrith?

Follow your dentist’s pre-procedure instructions, especially regarding fasting if there is sedation or general anaesthesia involved. If it is surgery, you should arrange a ride home and be organised in advance for a comfortable recovery.

By that, we mean make sure you are sorted for all the dentist recommended medications and the items you can eat after wisdom teeth removal. A soft foods menu plan is recommended, yes, there will be a high chance of soup and mashed-banana sandwiches, and if your good, ice-cream for dessert. Yum!

What should I expect during the wisdom teeth removal process?

Upper wisdom teeth are typically straightforward to extract using local anesthesia. Removing lower wisdom teeth often presents greater challenges and complexity.
The process involves numbing the area, making a small opening to access the tooth, separating it from the surrounding bone, removing it, and then closure of the gum area with dissolvable stitches.

What are the risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal?

Recovery varies based on the type of extraction, the position and size of the removed teeth, but most patients experience only mild soreness for a few days.
On the odd occasion there can be complications that may include infection, bleeding, bone exposure, sinus issues and nerve damage.

These are all treatable with expert care. Carefully follow your dentist’s instructions for post removal care, diet, and activity to promote problem free healing.

For the first 24 hours after surgery:

• Use a soft manual toothbrush, not electric
• Don’t gargle mouthwash or drink alcohol
• Avoid drinking through a straw
• Don’t rinsing your mouth vigorously
• Avoid brushing the wound

Final word on Wisdom Teeth removal in Penrith

A wise word about wisdom teeth removal, the overall cost will depend on several factors, the number of teeth being removed, level of impaction and the difficulty of the task. Before treatment, check with your health insurance provider to determine your benefits, including what will be and will not be covered.

There’s quite a lot of variables in the world of wisdom teeth, so be prepared to ask a lot of questions.

Pacific Smiles Dental Penrith offers daily emergency appointments for those wisdom teeth treatments that can’t wait. Conveniently open every day of week including Saturday and Sunday, with extended hours into the evening on Wednesday and Thursday.

You can find Pacific Smiles Dental Centre at 61 Station Street, Penrith. Make a booking online now or call 02 4721 8900 for all your wisdom teeth advice and treatment.

Resources:

https://www.teeth.org.au/wisdom-teeth

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/removing-wisdom-teeth