When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, normally at some point between the ages of 17-25. For some people, wisdom teeth can cause oral health issues such as overcrowding, impaction and increased risk of infection. Wisdom teeth removal is not always necessary, but around half of all patients will require at least one wisdom tooth be extracted to prevent future problems. In this blog post, Sydney Park Dental will be sharing some insight into wisdom teeth removal and when it may be necessary.

When Should I Have a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but an initial evaluation is usually performed between the ages of 15 and 19. It is good practice to attend routine check-ups on an yearly basis, as your dentist will be able to monitor the status of your wisdom teeth and overall oral health. It is important to have a wisdom tooth evaluation performed as early as possible, as removal later in life can come with additional complications.

Typical Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure, and some of the most common reasons for it include:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth – when wisdom teeth are unable to erupt through the gums normally. They may grow at an angle or lack sufficient space to emerge properly. Typical symptoms include swollen or tender gums, jaw pain, bad breath and pain when opening your mouth.

Insufficient Space – sometimes wisdom teeth take up too much space in the mouth, which can cause issues with other teeth. If the eruption of your wisdom teeth causes overcrowding in the mouth, you will experience pain and discomfort and may notice some of your other teeth becoming damaged or misshapen.

Persistent Pain – the eruption of your wisdom teeth can cause pain. In some cases this will be intermittent, but if you experience persistent pain then you should visit your dentist so that an x-ray and examination can be performed. Extraction is not always necessary, as in some cases pain may subside naturally.

Infection – the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, which makes them more prone to infection. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to minimise the risk of infection, which includes brushing and flossing daily whilst paying close attention to the third molars.

5 Symptoms Which Suggest You May Require Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Pain and sensitivity at the back of your mouth
• Gum inflammation
• Bad breath and/or strange taste in your mouth
• Stiff jaw or persistent pain
• Sinus problems such as pain, headache, congestion and pressure.

Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Painful? What is Involved?

Wisdom teeth extraction is generally straightforward, although depending on the positioning of your wisdom teeth there may be some challenges involved. Rest assured that your dentist will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, and you will be provided with local anaesthetic if necessary to numb the area and minimise pain. The team of dentists and oral surgeons at Sydney Park Dental are highly skilled at wisdom tooth extraction, and most patients find they do not even notice the tooth being removed. The procedure generally takes about 1-3 hours depending on the number of teeth to be removed and their positioning. Keep in mind that if you are required to have a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you home and offer post-extraction care.

Experiencing Wisdom Tooth Pain? Book an Examination at Sydney Park Dental Today
Wisdom tooth removal is not always necessary, but it is important to have an understanding of the condition of your teeth. The team at Sydney Park Dental can examine your teeth and determine whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, book an oral examination at Sydney Park Dental by calling 02 8084 7170 or via our website today.