Wisdom Teeth Removal in Perth

An experienced dentist will first take a dental X-ray of your jaw to identify the position of each third molar. With this equipment, they can determine if wisdom tooth extraction is a suitable treatment option for you.

This dental procedure uses a variety of anaesthetic approaches. Depending on the needed level of comfort and the intricacy of the surgery, we may use local anaesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide), oral sedation, intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is used to numb the area and reduce intense pain.

During the wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissues to expose the tooth and bone. They may need to remove some bone around the tooth or divide the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate removal. After removing the tooth, the area will be cleaned, and any incisions will be stitched up if necessary. Finally, gauze will be applied to the extraction site to allow blood clots to form.

After wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including guidelines on pain management, swelling, and oral hygiene. It’s important to follow these instructions to avoid dental complications like a dry socket or infection.

During the appointment, your dentist can discuss the specific steps of the wisdom teeth extraction process. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns about the procedure with your dentist.

Wisdom tooth removal is relatively safe. However, this surgical procedure still carries a number of risks that you should consider before deciding whether or not to proceed:

1. Persistent Bleeding:

   Bleeding is expected in the first few hours after surgery. However, if it does not improve, it could indicate that no blood clot is forming in the tooth socket. If bleeding persists, you should seek treatment from a dental professional.

2. Infection:

   After a wisdom tooth extraction, swelling and discomfort are expected. However, they’re also the most prevalent indicators of an infection after the removal of wisdom teeth. If these symptoms continue for a few days after your extraction, you should be concerned. An infection following wisdom teeth removal treatment can result in a bad taste or smell in your mouth, yellowish discharge, and possibly even a fever.

3. Dry socket:

   A blood clot forms over the tooth socket after your wisdom teeth removal procedure. This blood clot is necessary for wound healing and the regeneration of bone. If this clot becomes dislodged, the socket becomes exposed to the oral cavity, causing excruciating pain and increasing the risk of infection. If you suspect you have a dry socket, see your dentist immediately.

4. Paresthesia:

   Paresthesia is a less common side effect of wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth encased in the jawbone are frequently in close proximity to nerves. During the tooth extraction process, these nerves might be bruised or injured, causing the tongue, lip, or chin to become numb. The paresthesia is usually temporary, resolving on its own after a short period, usually one to several weeks. However, in very rare cases, the paresthesia might be longer-lasting.

Attending a follow-up appointment allows your dentist to monitor the progression of your healing and check for any signs of such risks. At Maylands Dental Centre, we perform the necessary preventive measures and provide exceptional oral care to minimise potential complications.

Yes, it’s possible to have all your wisdom teeth removed in one appointment. This is often performed if the teeth are fully erupted or if their removal is straightforward. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort level.

However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted or there are other complications, your dentist might recommend doing the extractions in stages to manage the procedure more safely and comfortably.

You will likely experience some discomfort after having your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions and pain relief prescriptions. If general anaesthesia was used during the procedure, we advise you not to drive for the next 48 hours. It is recommended that you have someone with you to drive you home.

Following the dental procedure, there may also be bleeding. Your mouth might be sensitive for the next few days, so be cautious when you eat or drink anything hot or cold. Usually, it takes around a week for you to be able to open your mouth completely after your wisdom tooth surgery. Eat soft or liquid foods, such as yoghurt, pudding, and oatmeal. Some aches and pains may be relieved by cold foods such as gelatine, smoothies, and ice cream.

The majority of patients recover completely in three to four days. However, if your teeth were impacted or came in at the wrong angle, it may take a week for them to recover. Infections can still develop weeks after the surgery because the surgical wound will not be fully healed for several months. Hence, it’s essential to take proper care of yourself and keep an eye out for signs of infection.

If you experience severe pain after having your wisdom teeth extracted, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.