Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can just go ahead and get their wisdom teeth removed without any risks or prior assessment. However, in many instances, the removal of wisdom teeth can be quite complicated and may even require a referral to an Oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. An impacted wisdom tooth, for example, can cause significant pain and discomfort. That’s why getting a dentist’s assessment before proceeding is essential.
Consultation Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
During your consultation, the dentist will look at your teeth and mouth to determine if the removal of wisdom teeth is right for you. The dentist will also assess the location of your wisdom teeth and see if they are impacted or not. Impacted wisdom teeth have grown at an angle and are pressing against other teeth or parts of the jaw. Removal of wisdom teeth can be more complicated in these cases.
If your wisdom teeth are close to a nerve or very impacted your dentist may refer you to an Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The dentist may also recommend having your wisdom teeth removed with some additional sedation such as IV sedation or general anesthetic to make you more comfortable during the procedure. Especially if there are impacted wisdom teeth or risks of complications with removal. The dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums and then remove the wisdom teeth. Sometimes, they may also need to remove bone or gum tissue around the wisdom teeth.
What to Expect During the Pre-Extraction Exam
When you visit a dentist or oral surgeon for a routine pre-extraction exam, they will first take X-rays of your mouth. These X-rays will help the dentist assess your wisdom teeth’ position and see if they are impacted or close to nerves or other structures in your mouth. The dentist will also use the X-rays to look for any signs of infection or gum disease.
The dentist will also ask you about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. The dentist will also ask you about any allergies that you have.
They will go over the risks and benefits of surgical removal versus retention and help you decide whether or not to proceed. If you choose to have your wisdom teeth removed, the dentist will go over the removal process and sedation options available, as well as answer any questions you have.
How Do Doctors Determine That Wisdom Tooth Removal Is the Solution?
After the dentist has gathered all of this information, they will then make a decision about wisdom tooth extraction.
Factors that influence their decision include:
- The position of the wisdom teeth
- Whether the wisdom teeth are impacted
- The severity of any symptoms
- Your age
- Your overall health
Removal of wisdom teeth is not suitable for everyone. Sometimes, it may be best to leave the wisdom teeth in place.
What Happens After the Procedure
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you will need to take care of your mouth. You must brush and floss your teeth and keep the area clean. You may also need to use a special mouthwash. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth after removing wisdom teeth.
After removing your wisdom teeth, you will likely experience some swelling and discomfort around the extraction site. The dentist or oral surgeon usually prescribes pain medication to help manage this discomfort. They will also give you instructions on caring for your mouth and what to expect during your recovery.
The Wise Decision
Be sure to consult with our dentist before deciding on removing your wisdom teeth. Removal of wisdom teeth can be complicated, so it is essential to make sure it is the right decision for you.
Finding a good dentist you trust who offers a full range of services can be challenging. Many people only go to the dentist when they have a problem, which means they often wait until a tooth is broken or painful. By that point, they may need more extensive and expensive treatment.
If you are considering wisdom tooth removal and live or work on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We offer a full range of dental services, including wisdom tooth removal under IV sedation.
For problems with wisdom teeth, we recommend booking a consult with Dr Alan Trinh. Dr Alan Trinh is a general dentist with a focus on oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal and implant placement. He also works closely with one of our qualified and experienced Sedationists to provide patients at Beaches Dental Mona Vale with the option of IV sedation to increase their comfort when having any oral surgery.
