Wisdom Teeth Removal
Mermaid Beach Oral Surgery and Sedation
Wisdom teeth are the molars furthest back in the mouth, with one on the top and bottom of each side (four total). They’re the last teeth to develop and come in at a much later age than their predecessors, hence their nickname. These third molars continue to form through adolescence and are typically fully developed by the time a person reaches the age of 30.
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
By a person’s mid-teens to late 20s, the final set of molars start to erupt. Some people never have problems with their wisdom teeth, while others lack adequate space in their mouth for them to come in properly.
When the wisdom teeth become impacted or partially erupt, they can trigger swelling, infection, pain or even damage the adjacent teeth. Their location makes them especially challenging to care for, so they are highly prone to cavities. Instead of treating decayed third molars, the standard of care is to remove the infected teeth before secondary complications develop.
Sedation During Your Oral Surgery
To help our patients feel comfortable and relaxed at Mermaid Smiles we offer safe in-house sedation dentistry options. Choose between happy gas or twilight sedation (delivered by an anaesthetist). Local anaesthetic is also used around each surgical site to prevent any discomfort.
After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Allow yourself plenty of time to recover. Some people do well with a long weekend to rest up, while others need 1-2 weeks before going back to work or school. Stock your pantry with plenty of soft foods that don’t require much chewing, such as gelatin, pudding, mashed potatoes or oatmeal. When staying hydrated, avoid using a straw as this could interfere with the clot in your surgical sites and delay healing.
Sometimes a brief follow-up visit will be needed to remove sutures or check for tiny bone fragments that work their way through the gums after a few weeks.
WISDOM TOOTH EVALUATIONS
Schedule a consultation for yourself or your teen, today.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.