The Path to a Beautiful Smile: Wisdom Teeth Removal in Blackwood  

Wisdom teeth may require removal when they are determined to pose serious risks or cause further damage to oral health. For instance, since molars grow at a later age, during which the jaw may not have enough space to accommodate them. As a result, they can become impacted or erupt at the wrong angle, leading to crowding issues, increased risk of infection, and tooth decay. Hence, wisdom teeth may be extracted to prevent potential problems and maintain dental health.

Modern dental techniques and anaesthesia make the removal of wisdom teeth less invasive and less painful. In some cases, dental sedation may be recommended to help you remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.

Still, it’s important to note that mild discomfort and swelling are common after undergoing wisdom teeth removal. Such discomforts can be managed with post-operative instructions provided by your dentist.

The time it takes to recover from having your wisdom teeth removed is influenced by the condition of your immune system, so individual experiences can differ. Some people may heal more quickly, while others might require more time.

The majority of patients are able to resume their regular activities in a week. That said, the gums in the affected area may need 2-4 weeks to fully close, and the bone underneath could take a minimum of three months to heal.

At My Dentist Blackwood, we will discuss the estimated time you need to rest following the procedure.

While the removal of wisdom teeth in Blackwood is generally safe, like any oral surgical procedure, it comes with potential risks. It’s important to be informed about these possibilities in order to make informed decisions about your oral health.

• Dry socket.
  A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot that usually forms in the socket after extraction is dislodged or dissolves. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing intense pain and delaying the healing process.
  
  
• Oral infection.
  There’s a risk of bacterial infection at the extraction site. Symptoms may include fever, persistent pain, and pus discharge. Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection.
  
  
• Nerve injury.
  The wisdom teeth are located close to nerves that control sensation in the lower lip, tongue, and chin. Accidental damage to these nerves during extraction can lead to numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in these areas. Although this is usually temporary, it can be permanent in rare cases.
  
  
• Bleeding and hemorrhage.
  While bleeding is normal after an extraction, excessive or prolonged bleeding is a risk. Hemorrhage may require additional sutures or other medical interventions to control.
  
  
• Sinus issues.
  For upper wisdom teeth, there’s a risk of creating a hole that connects the mouth to the sinus cavity. This condition, known as an oroantral fistula, can lead to sinus infections and may require further surgical treatment to repair.

   

These potential complications may only occur in rare instances. Your dentist will take extra precautions before the removal of your wisdom teeth to achieve the desired outcome and keep you safe during and after the procedure.

Here are general guidelines for taking care of the extraction area following the surgical removal:

• Keep the extraction site clean.
  While you can’t rinse your mouth on the day you had your wisdom tooth extracted, you need to keep it as clean as possible. Do this by chewing on the side opposite the extraction site, which helps prevent food debris from entering the socket. After 24 hours, you may brush your teeth, including those surrounding the extraction site, and rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt water. Do so gently and avoid spitting vigorously. 
  
  
• Change the gauze pad properly.
  Replace your gauze pad after 25 to 30 minutes and bite firmly yet gently to help mitigate the bleeding. When it has little or no blood, they are no longer necessary.
  
  
• Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities.
  Give yourself a rest to let your mouth heal and to prevent applying too much pressure on the extraction site that may damage the forming blood clot and prolong the bleeding.

The timeline for resuming normal activities after wisdom teeth removal may take about a week, depending on the complexity of the procedure. A severely impacted wisdom tooth that requires incision of the gum tissues and reduction of bone may take longer to heal and thus need more time to recover.

Generally, most patients can return to work in 3-4 days provided that they continue proper pain and swelling management and there are no signs of infection. However, it is important to remember that recovery periods vary based on your individual case. Your dentist will discuss this further with you so you can prepare ahead of time for the days you need to recover.

In most cases, stitches or sutures are necessary after wisdom tooth extraction, particularly if the procedure entails making an incision in the gums to access the molars. Sutures are used to reposition the cut gum tissue flap and promote proper healing of the incision while also protecting the extraction site from potential infection.

At My Dentist Blackwood, one of the dentists here will discuss which type of sutures may work for you.

You can brush your teeth the day after your wisdom teeth have been extracted. Gently brush them with a small circular motion and avoid the surgical area. Since you have recently undergone an oral surgical procedure, we highly recommend replacing your toothbrush, as it can collect bacteria over time, which may pose a risk of infection if used in your mouth with new sutures or an extraction site. Please consider consulting your dentist on when you can safely resume brushing your teeth, as it still may vary depending on your dental needs.

Various factors determine the cost of wisdom teeth removal in Blackwood, so the cost of your treatment can vary from the average pricing provided here.

To give you an idea, the cost of wisdom teeth removal may range from $215 to $650 per tooth. On the other hand, the average cost of wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthesia may range between $1,500 and $3,000 per tooth. This is according to the data from the Australian Dental Association during their national survey of dental fees.

During your consultation, your dentist will provide a breakdown of treatment costs to help you prepare your budget beforehand.

Wisdom teeth extraction generally falls under major dental procedures, which often require dental extras. This means you may be eligible for dental cover if you have a high level of dental extras. If not, we have various payment options at My Dentist Blackwood to accommodate your needs. It’s important to review the details of your provider’s policy, including waiting periods, benefit limits, and out-of-pocket costs.