
Safe and Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Extractions for Better Oral Health
At Narre Warren Family Dental Group, we understand that the thought of wisdom teeth extraction can be a source of concern for many patients. Whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, or not properly aligned, our experienced dental team is here to help. We offer safe, comfortable, and efficient wisdom teeth extraction procedures to ensure the health and well-being of your mouth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, around the ages of 17 to 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be beneficial if there’s enough space in the mouth to accommodate them, but more often than not, they can cause issues such as:
- Impacted teeth (when a tooth is blocked from fully erupting)
- Pain and discomfort
- Infection or gum disease
- Tooth crowding or misalignment
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or potential dental problems, extraction may be the best solution to restore your oral health.
When is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Necessary?
Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are causing or are at risk of causing the following:- Impacted Wisdom Teeth- When there’s not enough space for the teeth to emerge, they may become trapped (impacted) beneath the gum line, causing pain, swelling, or infection.
- Crowding of Nearby Teeth - Wisdom teeth can push against neighbouring teeth, causing misalignment and requiring orthodontic treatment or extraction to maintain a straight smile.
- Infection or Gum Disease - Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to infection, gum disease, or cavities.
- Cysts or Tumours - In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumours, which may damage surrounding bone or soft tissue.
- Tooth Decay - Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean and maintain can develop cavities or gum disease, making extraction a necessary step.
How is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Performed?
At Narre Warren Family Dental Group, we perform wisdom teeth extractions with the utmost care and precision, ensuring a comfortable experience for our patients. Here’s how the process typically works:- Consultation & Evaluation- Your journey begins with a consultation where we will assess the positioning of your wisdom teeth through X-rays and discuss your symptoms and any concerns you may have. After examining your situation, we’ll determine if extraction is needed and outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific case.
- Anaesthesia Options - Before the extraction, we will discuss your anaesthesia options to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. We offer local anaesthesia to numb the area or, for those who prefer more sedation, we also offer Nitrous Sedation.
- The Extraction Procedure - Depending on the complexity of the extraction, the procedure may take place in our clinic. For most cases, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, it may be sectioned into smaller pieces to make removal easier. Once the tooth is removed, the site will be cleaned and stitched, if necessary.
- Aftercare & Recovery - Post-procedure care is important to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to guide you through the healing process. Most patients experience mild swelling or discomfort for a few days following the extraction, but this can be managed with pain relief and ice packs.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- Pain Relief- If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or discomfort, extraction provides relief by eliminating the source of the issue.
- Prevention of Future Problems - By removing problematic wisdom teeth, you reduce the risk of infection, misalignment, or tooth decay in the future.
- Protecting Your Oral Health - Removing wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing complications helps maintain the overall health of your gums and teeth.
- Better Functionality & Comfort - After the extraction and healing process, you will experience greater comfort and better oral functionality, especially when it comes to chewing and speaking.
Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction is a gradual process, and following the aftercare instructions provided by our team at Narre Warren Family Dental Group will ensure you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
During your consultation, we will assess your oral health, review your options, and discuss your treatment goals. If necessary, we can also recommend additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to ensure that your jawbone is in the best condition for implant placement.
Here are some tips for optimal recovery:
- Rest & Avoid Physical Activity- Rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure and avoid any strenuous physical activity for a few days to prevent complications.
- Use Ice Packs for Swelling - Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- Pain Management - We will prescribe or recommend pain relief to keep you comfortable during your recovery. Over-the-counter pain medications may also help.
- Follow a Soft Diet - Stick to soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days to avoid disturbing the extraction sites.
- Keep the Extraction Area Clean - Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 24 hours, but continue to brush the rest of your teeth gently. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water to keep the site clean and promote healing.
- Avoid Smoking - Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid it during recovery.
Why Choose Narre Warren Family Dental Group for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
- Experienced Dental Team- Our dental professionals have extensive experience in performing wisdom teeth extractions, ensuring a smooth and effective procedure.
- Comprehensive Care - We guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post-extraction care, ensuring that you feel confident and well-informed.
- State-of-the-Art Technology - We use the latest in dental technology and imaging to evaluate your wisdom teeth and ensure precise, minimally invasive extractions.
- Comfort and Compassion - At Narre Warren Family Dental Group, we prioritize your comfort. Whether through sedation options or a calming environment, we strive to make the extraction process as stress-free as possible.
If you're experiencing discomfort or think your wisdom teeth might need extraction, contact Narre Warren Family Dental Group today. Our team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile, call us today (03) 8905 1904 or book online.