Wisdom teeth

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is generally a painless procedure. The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is provided to help the patient relax throughout the procedure. For more complex operations lasting longer than 45 minutes or where the removal of 4 wisdom teeth is required, a general anaesthetic can also be applied. During surgery under local anaesthetic some noise should be expected as well as the feeling of intermittent pressure from the surgical instruments. To help with any pain after the operation painkillers are provided and we recommend the use of cool packs to help with any swelling.

Reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth:

Aggravated Eruption

This is the most common reason for wisdom tooth extraction and mainly affects the lower wisdom teeth. This happens when there is too little space, which then in turn causes the wisdom teeth to break through crookedly, partially or to not even break through at all.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can push on neighbouring tooth roots causing unidentifiable face and ear pain. The absorption (dissolution) of the adjacent root is also then a possibility.

Orthodontics

Orthodontists often require the removal of wisdom teeth as part of an orthodontic procedure. In these cases the wisdom tooth removal often takes place only after completion of the orthodontic treatment.