The removal of wisdom teeth is a routine dental procedure, and it is performed on around five million patients worldwide every year. Although common, it is not always necessary to have wisdom teeth removed. There is, however, often a lot of confusion among non-dentists around whether they should be taken out or left in.
This short guide will explain the signs that you might need your wisdom teeth removed and how you can find a reputable dentist in Sydney, Australia to do it.
What are wisdom teeth?
First things first: What exactly are wisdom teeth? These are a third set of molars which grow at the very back of the mouth. Molars are the teeth we use to crush and chew food. Wisdom teeth are no different to the molars everybody already has, except that they appear when people are in their late teens and early twenties. Historically, this was thought to be when people acquired wisdom, hence the name.
If I have them, do I need wisdom teeth removed?
Not necessarily. In some people, wisdom teeth are able to grow properly and allow the jaw to move freely and chew food well. Provided the person keeps them clean and healthy, there is no reason to have them removed.
However, in many people wisdom teeth grow at the wrong angle, or are the wrong size and fail to protrude from the gums. These are likely to need removal.
Because they are located so far back in the mouth, it can be difficult to see any problems with wisdom teeth on your own. However, there are some signs which will let you know that it is time to get them checked by a professional:
- Pain: Of course, you should always visit the dentist when you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth. If it is coming from the back of the mouth, your wisdom teeth may be to blame.
- Swelling, cysts or tumours – Any of these things are an indication that something is seriously wrong.
- Jaw immobility – When you can’t open or close your mouth comfortably, there might be something wrong with your wisdom teeth.
Because incorrectly grown wisdom teeth can block your toothbrush rom reaching certain places, gum disease, tooth decay and cavities are also signs to watch out for.
How to find a good dentist to remove wisdom teeth in Sydney
With the internet, this couldn’t be easier. Start with a search like “Dentist Cronulla” to find dental practices in your area. Look for one that has an oral and maxillofacial surgeon on staff, as they are dentists who specialise in tooth extractions. Then you can choose the right one for you using reviews, testimonials, etc.
Will it be painful afterwards?
A small amount of pain and swelling for up to four days is normal. However, there are some pain management techniques you can try, such as:
- an ice pack or bag of frozen peas
- ibuprofen
- acetaminophen
If you experience severe pain which does not improve after a few days, then let your oral surgeon know.
If you have them and they are not causing you discomfort, it is important to look after your wisdom teeth so that you don’t need them removed in the future.