Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth usually erupt into the mouth between the ages of 17 and 21. However, in many patients there is no room in the mouth for them to erupt. In these cases, the wisdom teeth may not erupt at all and stay imbedded in the jaw bone. They may also try and erupt by pushing through the jaw bone and gum. Sometimes they only get a certain distance and cannot move any further. The wisdom teeth may only partially erupt into the mouth.

Wisdom teeth that have enough room to erupt may do so into a fairly upright position. Sometimes the space is tight and they may be pushed towards the cheek or towards the palate and tongue. Wisdom teeth that are in a fairly good position should be able to be kept. They are still right at the back of the mouth so need extra attention to be kept clean. Wisdom teeth are at higher risk of tooth decay and gum infections as they are hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss.

Wisdom teeth that are fully encased in bone usually do not cause any problems. They should be monitored as there are cases where they develop cysts or other pathology around them. They can also erupt if the tooth in front of them has to be removed, providing room for further movement. They are unlikely to erupt into a very ideal position and tend to become partially impacted.

Many wisdom teeth try and erupt into the mouth but can only partially erupt and become impacted. These are the problematic ones. They can be angled towards the teeth in front of them and cause damage to the back of these teeth. Sometimes you will feel pressure and discomfort on the remaining teeth just from the wisdom trying to erupt. They are partially covered in gum tissue but partially exposed which makes cleaning both the tooth and gum a nightmare. The tooth is prone to decay and the gum prone to infections. Sometimes the infections can become very severe causing the cheek to swell up, a bad taste and a difficulty opening the mouth.

Maybe They'll Just Fix Themselves!

If you are experiencing pain and swelling with your wisdom teeth, they probably need extraction. It’s very common to have wisdom teeth removed and it isn’t anywhere near as painful as leaving them alone. Here is what happens during the appointment:

• Thorough assessment of position and angulation
• Discussion of x-ray findings
• Discussion of procedure including risks
• Penthrox gas sedation if needed
• Local anaesthetic given
• Teeth removal
• Infection drained
• Clotting established
• Make sure you are fine

The sedation options available at Central Brisbane Dental are suitable for almost anyone and have few side effects. Your dentist can discuss the options with you and determine which medication would be best suited to you.

It is important to note that due to the effects of sedation you must not drive after taking any of these medications. Instead you should plan to be escorted to and from our practice on the day of your treatment.

If you do have other concerns about a dental procedure you are about to undergo, then please give us a call so we can talk you through your different options.