Deciding whether to remove wisdom teeth requires recognising specific signs and conditions that indicate the need for the procedure. Here are the key indicators to help identify if removal might be required:

• Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth may indicate impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth requiring extraction.
• Swelling and Redness: Swollen or red gums around the wisdom teeth could indicate inflammation, infection, or crowding issues.
• Crowded Teeth: If teeth feel tighter, it may be because the pressure from emerging wisdom teeth is pushing against other teeth.
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Limited jaw movement or stiffness can suggest wisdom teeth impaction or inflammation surrounding the area.
• Recurrent Infections: Frequent gum infections or pericoronitis can indicate the need for removal.
• Cysts or Damage to Surrounding Teeth: Dental X-rays showing cysts around wisdom teeth or damage to nearby teeth indicate the need for extraction.

It’s important to consult with a dentist to evaluate your situation. Regular checkups and X-rays can provide a clearer picture and guide the decision on whether wisdom teeth extraction is needed.

Some discomfort is expected during wisdom tooth extraction, but dental professionals have methods to manage pain effectively. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

• Anaesthesia: Joondalup City Dental offers dental treatments with an in-house anaesthetist on a weekly basis, as well as the option for treatment under general anaesthesia at the hospital.
• Pressure and Pain: During the extraction, you may feel pressure as the dentist removes the tooth. This is completely normal and should not cause pain.
• Post-extraction Discomfort: After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness or throbbing in the extraction area is common. This is part of the natural healing process and usually lasts for a few days.
• Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising around the extraction site and jaw are normal. Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek can help reduce both swelling and any associated discomfort.
• Pain Duration: Most patients find that discomfort subsides within a few days. It can take up to two weeks for the extraction site to feel fully comfortable, particularly after a complex extraction.

While some discomfort is natural, pain after wisdom tooth extraction is generally manageable. Dental professionals provide guidance and support to help you stay as comfortable as possible throughout the healing process.

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure designed to remove a tooth safely. Knowing what to expect helps you feel comfortable and prepared.

Initial Consultation: Your dentist will assess your tooth and take X-rays to determine the most suitable approach for extraction. They will talk to you about the procedure, address any questions and explain necessary aftercare steps.

Anaesthesia and Preparation: A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth, allowing you to experience minimal discomfort. In complex cases or when multiple teeth are involved, sedation options may be discussed to help you stay relaxed.

Extraction Process: During a simple extraction, the dentist first loosens the tooth with an elevator and then removes it using forceps. In cases where the tooth is impacted or broken, a surgical extraction may be necessary. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth.

Bleeding and Gauze Application: After tooth removal, the dentist places gauze on the extraction site to control bleeding and promote blood clotting. You may need to bite down on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to help the bleeding subside.

Aftercare Instructions: The dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, such as avoiding certain foods, refraining from using straws, and taking prescribed medication. You’ll be advised to keep the area clean but to avoid vigourous rinsing, which can dislodge the clot.

Follow-up Visit and Healing: You will need a follow-up visit to assess if the area is healing properly, especially after surgical extractions. Full recovery generally takes a few days to a week. Mild discomfort is normal during this time and can be managed with prescribed pain relief.

Knowing these steps can help boost your confidence before your wisdom teeth extraction. The dental team will be with you every step of the way, providing a comfortable experience and a smooth recovery.

Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction varies, but here’s what to typically expect during each stage of the healing process. Proper aftercare can significantly aid in a smoother recovery.

• Immediate Recovery (First 24-48 Hours)
  • Swelling and mild discomfort are normal during this period.
  • You may experience mild bleeding after the procedure, which typically subsides with gentle pressure from biting on gauze.
  • Rest is essential during this phase to allow your body to begin the healing process.
• Early Healing (Three to Five Days Post-Extraction)
  • Swelling generally peaks on the second day but should gradually reduce by the fifth day.
  • The pain usually subsides during this period, though it may vary based on the complexity of the extraction.
  • Soft foods, plenty of fluids, and prescribed medications, if any, will help ease discomfort and prevent irritation.
• Late Healing (Seven to Ten Days Post-Extraction)
  • At this point, most people can resume normal eating and activities. However, it’s advised to avoid hard or crunchy foods until fully healed.
  • Any remaining stitches, if not dissolvable, may be removed during a follow-up visit.
  • The risk of complications decreases significantly by this stage, provided you’ve followed all aftercare instructions.
• Complete Recovery (Two to Three Weeks)
  • Full gum tissue recovery may take up to three weeks, although pain and swelling should subside well before then.
  • Jaw stiffness and minor tenderness may linger but will gradually fade.

Taking proper care during each phase will contribute to a successful recovery. If you notice any unusual pain, prolonged swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to see your dentist.

Following aftercare instructions can help promote a smooth and successful recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Here’s a guide on the dos and don’ts to help you care for your mouth and prevent complications during healing.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can support a smooth recovery and minimise the risk of complications. For optimal outcomes, consult with your dentist if you have any concerns during your healing process.

Yes, we offer wisdom teeth extraction under general anaesthesia at Glengarry Private Hospital on Fridays. To take advantage of this option, you will need to have hospital cover. Then, you will only need to pay the excess fee for the hospital, in addition to the cost of the wisdom teeth extraction. This approach provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients who prefer or require general anaesthesia for their procedure.