Experience Safe Wisdom Teeth Removal in Joondalup

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the backmost of your mouth. While there are potential benefits to keeping wisdom teeth, they usually require removal. Dental professionals often require the removal of wisdom teeth due to the following reasons:

• Impaction:
  Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they do not have enough space to emerge normally. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
• Overcrowding:
  Third molars can crowd adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. If left unaddressed, they can push those surrounding structures and eventually deteriorate them.
• Oral health issues:
  Impacted wisdom teeth can pose serious risks and complications to your oral health. Their emergence in your mouth can lead to swelling, excruciating pain, and inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding them. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral hygiene issues.
• Hygiene challenges:
  Because wisdom teeth are located at the far back of the mouth, they are hard to clean. At the same time, due to impaction, food debris can get stuck, and the toothbrush’s bristles cannot efficiently clean around them.

Removing wisdom teeth is usually necessary because of these problems, which can affect your overall oral health. If you are considering whether you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, we recommend contacting or visiting our dental clinic.

Below are the common signs that might indicate the need for removing wisdom teeth:

• Pain and discomfort:
  One of the common signs is experiencing persistent pain at the back of your mouth. This discomfort can become severe and persistent as the teeth grow and start to press against adjacent teeth or nerves.
• Swelling:
  You might notice swelling around the jaw or gums near the area of the wisdom teeth, which could indicate an inflammation or infection.
• Difficulty eating:
  You feel discomfort while chewing and biting near the area of the wisdom teeth. It might be a sign that they are impacted.
• Gum inflammation:
  The area around the wisdom teeth can become red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
• Bad breath:
  When the backmost teeth are partially impacted, food debris is more likely to get stuck between the gum flaps. This can cause an unpleasant odour in your mouth.
• Cysts development:
  In some cases, cysts or fluid-filled sacs can form around the new teeth. If this symptom is not addressed, it can damage the jawbone, nearby teeth, and nerves.
• Sinus issues:
  Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain and congestion, particularly if they affect the upper jaw.
• Stiffness and jaw pain:
  The pressure from wisdom teeth can cause the jaw to become stiff and sore, making it difficult to open the mouth.
• Alignment issues:
  Emerging wisdom teeth can potentially crowd or shift neighbouring teeth.
• Frequent infections:
  Recurring infections in the gums near the back of the mouth can be a sign that the wisdom teeth are problematic.

It’s important to recognise these symptoms and report them to your dentist immediately. This way, they can assess them, determine your need and suitability for wisdom teeth removal in Joondalup, and prevent complications. If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, please visit Joondalup City Dental.

Wisdom teeth extraction aims to prevent potential dental problems. The steps are designed for efficiency and to prioritise comfort for the patient:

• Initial consultation and X-ray:
  The dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and the complexity of the extraction. Then, your dentist will discuss the procedure, potential risks, and benefits and answer any questions you may have.
• Anaesthesia administration:
  On the day of the procedure, your dentist will begin the procedure with by administering the appropriate type of anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and your comfort level. The anaesthesia will numb the area around the wisdom teeth so you will not feel pain during the procedure.
• Tooth exposure and removal:
  To expose the tooth for extraction, the dentist will incise the gums and trim the bone obstructing access to the tooth. If the tooth is difficult to extract in one piece, it may be divided into sections to be extracted more easily.
• Extracting the wisdom teeth:
  The dentist then carefully pulls out the wisdom tooth. They will take care of minimising the impact on surrounding bones and tissues.
• Cleaning the site:
  After the tooth is extracted, the site is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone.
• Stitching:
  The dentist will suture the gum incisions to promote healing, using stitches that dissolve over time or require removal after a few days.
• Recovery and aftercare:
  Post-operative care instructions are provided to help manage swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. Rest and follow a soft-food diet for a few days.

Each step of the wisdom tooth removal procedure is carried out with the utmost care so that the process is smooth and with minimal discomfort. Detailed aftercare instructions are crucial to promote quick recovery and avoid complications such as infections or dry sockets. During your consultation for wisdom teeth removal in Joondalup, your dentist will discuss the details of the procedure with you, allowing you to know what to expect during your appointment.

Generally speaking, you should not experience pain during the removal of wisdom teeth. Dentists take careful measures to minimise the sensation of pain, such as administering local anaesthesia before the process begins. These medications numb the surrounding area of impacted or painful wisdom teeth. The choice of anaesthesia depends on the complexity of the wisdom tooth extraction.

Additionally, they may also use sedation or sleep dentistry when necessary to help keep you calm and comfortable during the treatment process. This means that during the procedure, patients usually feel no pain and may be either awake but relaxed, drowsy, or completely asleep.

However, once the anaesthesia wears off, it is common for patients to experience some discomfort. This post-procedural discomfort can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual’s pain threshold and the extent of the dental surgery. Dentists often prescribe pain medications to help manage this discomfort. They will provide guidelines on how to care for the mouth during wisdom teeth removal recovery.

Proper preparation can make the process of wisdom teeth removal smoother. Here are some essential tips to prepare for dental surgery:

• Arrange transportation:
  Arrange with someone you trust to drive you home after the procedure. This is important, as the potential side effects of anaesthesia may temporarily impair your ability to operate vehicles safely.
• Follow pre-operative instructions:
  Your dentist will provide specific instructions to follow before the wisdom tooth removal surgery. This often includes fasting or skipping eating for a certain period before the anaesthesia.
• Prepare a recovery area:
  Set up a comfortable area in your home where you can rest after your appointment. Have extra pillows to keep your head elevated and help reduce swelling.
• Stock up on soft foods:
  Prepare meals that will be gentle on your mouth post-surgery. Soft foods such as yoghurt, soup, and applesauce are recommended.
• Prepare Ice Packs:
  Have ice packs ready to help with swelling immediately after you return home.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol:
  Drink plenty of water before your fast begins, and avoid alcohol, as it may prolong your wisdom teeth removal recovery.
• Wear comfortable clothing:
  On the day of surgery, dress in loose, comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing jewellery or contact lenses.
• Discuss pain management:
  Talk to your dentist about post-surgery pain management options to prepare any necessary prescriptions ahead of time.
• Confirm your appointment:
  Know your dental appointment time and plan to arrive early to complete any last-minute paperwork comfortably.

Following these tips can help facilitate smooth wisdom teeth removal in Joondalup. For more specific information about your preparation, we highly recommend talking to your dentist; they can give you personalised tips about preparation.

Generally, the wisdom teeth extraction process itself can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. However, the duration of the procedure can vary depending on several factors. These can include the number of teeth being removed, the complexity of the case, and whether the teeth are impacted.

During a consultation at Joondalup City Dental, the dentist will discuss the specific aspects of your case and explain the expected duration of the procedure based on the position and condition of your problematic wisdom teeth. This personalised consultation helps prepare you for the actual procedure day, setting realistic expectations for the time period.

Here are some common experiences that you might expect during your wisdom teeth removal recovery:

• Swelling and bruising:
  It’s usual for the affected area to be sore and swollen within the first week. The swelling of the cheeks improves in two or three days, but the bruising may take a bit longer to heal.
• Pain:
  It is normal to experience some pain after the anaesthesia wears off. Follow your dentist’s instructions on how to manage the pain. However, if the discomfort persists despite following the instructions, you can consult your dentist for assistance.
• Bleeding:
  Minor bleeding may occur during the first day. To control this, you’ll be advised to bite on gauze over the extraction site.

As we’ve mentioned, your dentist at Joondalup City Dental will provide specific post-op care instructions after the procedure. Here are some of the tips you may expect during your recovery period:

• Rest:
  You will be advised to rest for at least 24 hours post-operation and limit activity for a few days.
• Ice packs:
  Apply an ice pack to the sides of your cheeks near your wisdom teeth to help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Hydration and diet:
  Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods like yoghurt, pudding, and applesauce initially. Avoid using a straw, as the negative pressure from sucking can dislodge the blood clot from the tooth socket and cause bleeding.
• Oral hygiene:
  To help keep the area clean, gentle rinsing with salt water or an antibacterial rinse, as prescribed, can begin the day after the surgical procedure.

While you’re recovering from wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to be aware of the potential complications during the healing period:

• Dry socket:
  This occurs if the blood clot is dislodged, exposing the underlying bone at the extraction site. Symptoms include severe pain and a foul odour from the mouth. This requires immediate dental attention.
• Infection:
  Signs include fever, prolonged pain, and swelling. Any sign of infection must be addressed promptly.

Understanding these recovery aspects can prepare you for a smoother healing process and help prevent potential complications. Your dentist will provide specific instructions tailored to your situation, and it’s crucial to follow these guidelines closely for an optimal recovery outcome.

The wisdom teeth removal cost varies based on several key factors, including the complexity of the extraction, whether the wisdom teeth are impacted, and the type of anaesthesia used. Simple wisdom tooth extractions generally range between $230 and $280 per tooth. In contrast, more complex cases, such as impacted teeth, may cost between $401 and $535 per tooth.

Many health fund plans offer some level of dental cover for oral surgeries, including wisdom teeth extraction. The specific extent of cover depends on your health fund plan and the level of dental extras. Basic plans may provide limited cover for dental treatments, possibly excluding wisdom teeth removal. However, more comprehensive health fund plans usually include it under major dental care. These comprehensive plans may cover a significant portion of the wisdom teeth removal cost. Although out-of-pocket expenses can still apply depending on your plan’s annual limits and the percentage of costs covered.

For a detailed understanding of your potential out-of-pocket costs and the exact cover details, contact your health fund directly or review your policy specifics.

If you have further questions or need a specific cost estimate for your procedure, please get in touch with Joondalup City Dental. Our team is ready to provide detailed information about wisdom teeth removal costs. We can also explain how your health fund cover can be applied to wisdom tooth extraction.