Wisdom Teeth Removal for Melbourne

Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars in humans and start to erupt around age 17-25. Their growth patterns and anatomy are very variable among individual people. Therefore, if yours require removing, appropriate and precise planning will be necessary. 

Initially, your dentist here will examine your teeth and jaws and review your general health status. Current or recent x-rays will be needed to confirm the diagnosis (that wisdom teeth are the only cause for any symptoms), determine if removal is necessary, and to make a surgical plan for the removal of the offending teeth. 

Sometimes, the need for removal is obvious on visual inspection. For example, if there is lack of space for the wisdom teeth, or they are severely decayed, or they are erupting in the wrong direction and may be damaging neighbouring teeth, they will require removing. If your wisdom teeth haven't erupted yet, x-rays may help with foreseeing whether your jaws have room for them. 

The x-ray is also important in planning the safe removal of the teeth. Extracting wisdom teeth can range from simple and straightforward to more complicated surgery. The proposed plan of the type of extraction procedure and predicted outcome will be discussed with you when all the information needed has been gathered. 

Wisdom tooth surgery is far better done when you are younger and therefore the sooner the better. Given more time, risks of complications such as these increase:

Wisdom tooth removal (or extraction) with us is completed under a local anaesthetic. A specialised long-acting variety is used to firstly eliminate pain during the procedure, as well and minimise discomfort in the hours afterwards. 

In some cases, a general anaesthetic might be recommended. Or if that's an option you prefer, we can recommend and refer you to one of our trusted specialist oral surgeons. 

For a straightforward case, each tooth is removed in one piece. The time this takes will depend on factors such as the root shape of the tooth, number of roots, ease of access, the bone density and age of the patient. 

For cases that are more complex, a small surgical access will need to be made through the gum to reach the tooth. Cutting up the tooth into planned sections can also be necessary to safely remove the tooth in portions. 

After the teeth are removed, the site will be stabilized and you will be monitored by your dentist to ensure that you are feeling fine. 

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal is usually quite simple in healthy people if the post-operative instructions are followed. 

Occasionally, minor complications can occur. Dry socket is where the blood clot disappears prematurely and the socket becomes very sore. If this occurs, you should return to our office for a soothing dressing to be applied. 

If infection develops in a site, you will need to return so the cause of the infection can be identified and treated. Signs to look out for are swelling, pain, discharge, fever. Local antibacterial mouth rinse or a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed."