Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth can cause a number of health and dental issues.
Wisdom teeth aren’t always a problem, but these late-developing molars can cause serious oral health concerns if they don’t erupt properly or if there is not enough space in your mouth for extra teeth.
Our dentists in Karratha are highly experienced in wisdom teeth removal. We can help you whether you are removing a single wisdom tooth or having them all extracted at once.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow, usually after the age of 18. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some people have fewer and other people may never develop their wisdom teeth at all.
Wisdom teeth can create problems if:
There is not enough space at the back of the mouth
They are impacted or only partly erupted, leading to infections and cysts
They are causing problems with nearby teeth they are trapping food and making brushing difficult, leading to tooth decay.
They are trapping food and making brushing difficult, leading to tooth decay.
What to expect
Your dentist will only consider dental extraction if a tooth is too badly damaged to be saved using treatments such as a filling or root canal , unless the tooth’s presence is causing problems for your oral health.
During your consultation
Your dentist will explain what the extraction procedure involves and will use diagnostic equipment to plan the most effective treatment based on your situation and the location of the tooth in the mouth.
Local Anaesthetic
Administered to numb the area where the extraction will take place. General anaesthesia may be needed if multiple teeth are being extracted, or if the tooth is impacted in the gums and difficult to remove.
Condition of the tooth
Depending on the condition of the tooth, it may be removed by loosening and pulling without the need for surgery, or your dentist may need to cut into the gum and bone to access the root and remove the tooth in pieces.
What happens after an extraction?
If you are having a crown, dentures or other replacement teeth fitted, this can usually be done on the same day as your extraction.
Your dentist will prescribe painkillers and advise you to reduce your activities for several days following the treatment to improve your chances of a quick recovery. During the first 24 hours, you should avoid rinsing the area, eating hard foods, drinking through a straw or smoking.
