Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth fall into the family of molars. We have two molars as an adult in each quadrant and the wisdom teeth therefore become the third molars. While no one knows for sure, it is believed that wisdom teeth are present just in case the other molars are lost. However, as people have looked after themselves more frequently, they are less likely to lose their molars and their wisdom teeth therefore do not have space in the majority situations.

A. No, not necessarily. If the wisdom teeth are in the mouth, can be cleaned, and are used to chew with room to grow then they can be left and used just like any other teeth.

B. In situations where there is not enough space and problems either exist or being predicted, and if it is relatively safe to do so, the wisdom teeth are usually removed.

The decision to remove wisdom teeth is very case specific and varies from patient to patient. 3-D X-rays are generally required to really assess wisdom teeth well and weigh up the pros and cons.

The removal of wisdom teeth can vary from a simple five minute procedure to 1 hour with major surgery. Every wisdom tooth is unique and can even pose different possibilities within the same patient. There have been situations with patients have had one easy or simple wisdom tooth and another one that is more complicated.

The only way of truly telling is by doing a comprehensive examination with 3-D X-rays. Other factors to include is the patients age, medical conditions, the state (decayed vs non-decayed) of the tooth, social habits such as smoking and the design of the roots. Some wisdom teeth have one root in the bone while other can have up to 5.

This depends heavily on the state of the wisdom teeth, age of the patient and the patients views on dental treatment.

The number of wisdom teeth being removed can also affect this decision.

A majority of people nowadays get all 4 done under twilight sedation. This way all 4 are removed and cannot cause any more trouble at a later date. Other patients prefer to remove on side in an appointment and then remove the other side once this has healed.

Most patients can resume the normal activities within 3 to 4 days - but should still be very mindful. Sometimes it can take up to a week. Again, there are several factors that influence this and we are happy to discuss your situation with you at the time.

You should avoid eating hard and/or hot food. Stick to foods that will put minimum pressure on the area where the tooth has been removed and cold or room temperature foods are usually the most tolerated.

Generally speaking when you leave the surgery you will still be numb. Before the numbness wears off, we recommend taking pain killers so that it can 'take over' when the anaesthetic wears off and take the pain medication at regular intervals.

How often depends on the type and strength of medication you are prescribed.

Generally speaking, we often prescribe antibiotics to reduce the chance of getting an infection and panadeine forte for pain management.