Wisdom Teeth Removal in Killara

The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. They were essential when our ancestors had to chew course or rough foods, but not so much nowadays. Besides, evolution means that our jaws have changed shape, and when they do emerge, there remains insufficient space for them to erupt into. Because of this, they often come with a host of problems. So to avoid complications, wisdom tooth extractions here at Killara Dental may be recommended before you experience any symptoms.

Problems with Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are ready to erupt, usually between 18-30, there is little or no space for them to grow into. For this reason, these troublesome teeth are often partially or severely impacted. This means that part, or the entire tooth, is embedded in the jaw. It’s a common problem that can result in consequences such as:

• Pain in the back of the mouth
• Jaw strain and headaches
• Facial swelling
• Bad breath
• Shifting of the teeth or teeth crowding
• Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth
• Difficulty in speaking and eating

Another issue is that they can erupt and push against adjacent healthy teeth, thus undermining them. These potential problems are why our dental team at East Killara may recommend wisdom teeth removal here in Killara. 

Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Generally, at our East Killara clinic, we do wisdom teeth removal in three routine stages:

• Consultation – This is to plan the access and removal of the tooth properly. The procedure may be through simple ‘in-clinic’ or surgical extraction. Our dentists will also explain pre-treatment guidelines, such as a smoking ban or the need to take antibiotics. 

• Tooth Removal – After numbing the area comes the extraction process. Simple wisdom tooth extractions are done by loosening the tooth out of the socket and gently pulling it out. This can take as little as a few minutes. In more complicated cases, particularly when the tooth is within the bone, surgical gum incision and bone removal may be necessary to access your tooth. Either way, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the extraction process.

• Wound Closure – Once the tooth is successfully removed, the open socket may need to be sutured to prevent food debris and bacteria from entering the extraction site.

Guidelines After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After our Killara dentists extract your tooth or teeth, the next goal is recovery. Better and faster healing can be expected if you follow your dentist’s instructions.

Your dentist may suggest resting for at least 24 hours. You should also avoid disturbing the blood clot that will form over the wound. This is nutrient-rich and promotes faster wound healing. Disturbing it can cause an excruciating problem known as dry socket. Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and brushing the area until the wound has healed. Finally, continue practising good oral hygiene to encourage favourable results.