By Dr. Tze,
Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
At Stirling Street Dental Clinic, our main aim is to prolong the life of your natural teeth, but there may come a time when wisdom teeth extraction is the only option available. Some of the common problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Pain
- Overcrowding
- Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Cysts
- Infected teeth
- Food traps
- Tooth decay/problems with the adjacent teeth
Stirling Street Dental Clinic is the name to trust when it comes to wisdom teeth removal in Perth. We use safe and effective equipment to ensure your safety and reduce discomfort.
We recommend tooth extraction as soon as possible, even before you notice any pain or discomfort, especially if your teeth are impacted below your gums.
All extractions can be performed with local anaesthetic to ensure minimal pain and discomfort, but we also offer nitrous oxide (happy gas) or intravenous (IV) sedation, which we recommend if you are nervous about the procedure.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal will depend on your specific circumstances - we can provide a cost estimate during your initial consultation.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
1. Initial Consultation
We begin the process with a thorough consultation and assessment where we review your dental and medical history, perform a physical examination, and take X-rays. These steps are crucial for planning the wisdom tooth extraction, as they help us to understand the position of the wisdom teeth and their relation to other teeth.
2. Treatment Planning
Based on the examination, we will discuss whether or not you need your wisdom teeth extracted, the type of extraction required (simple or surgical), and any potential complications. We'll also discuss anesthesia options to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. This is the time to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the dental procedure or your oral health.
3. Anaesthesia
Before the extraction begins, you'll receive anaesthesia to (at the very least) numb the area around the wisdom tooth removal site. You may also opt to receive general anaesthesia or nitrous oxide - the type of anesthesia we use will depend on the complexity of the tooth extraction and your comfort level.
4. The Extraction Process
There are two types of tooth extractions, as detailed below.
Simple Extraction: If the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be removed in one piece without damaging the surrounding teeth, a simple extraction is performed. In this case, we'll use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gum line) or needs to be removed in pieces, a surgical extraction is required. To do this, we make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth, and then remove the tooth itself. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces for removal.
5. Post-Extraction Care
After we remove the tooth, we place a gauze pad over the extraction site to help stop bleeding and promote blood clot formation. We'll also provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. These may include advice on managing swelling and pain, dietary recommendations (e.g. eating soft foods), and how to keep the extraction site clean.
6. Follow-Up
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor how your mouth is healing, remove stitches if they were used, and address any concerns you may have. It's important to follow all aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal oral health.
Ready For Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you think it's time for the removal of your wisdom teeth and want great dental service, then look no further than Stirling Street Dental. Book an appointment with one of our expert dentists today!
