Wisdom Teeth

Most lower wisdom teeth are better off extracted by a specialist.

They are usually close to the important nerve bundle which runs through the lower jaw.

What problems can wisdom teeth cause?

This can cause the gum surrounding the wisdom tooth to become infected. Prior to modern medicine, in years gone by, this could often be fatal and even these days can prove highly unpleasant. They tend to hold food against the back of the teeth in front, which can drive decay in the most vulnerable location a tooth has. In rare situations, wisdom teeth can decay like normal teeth which can cause deep-seated dental abscesses. Which cannot be resolved with a simple extraction. This occurrence would require invasive surgery by a specialist.

Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?

For the vast majority of people, wisdom teeth are unnecessary and do nothing but cause problems for the long-term health of their mouths. Very often wisdom teeth are angled against the teeth in front of them and don’t come up properly. Frequently, half the tooth is buried in the gum and the other half in the mouth.

What symptoms are common with a problematic wisdom tooth?

The symptoms of a problematic wisdom tooth include

Swollen jaw

Redness around the area

Sensitive or painful gums around the tooth

If you experience any of the above symptoms, do bear in mind, these symptoms can be caused by other factors. However, you should still seek medical attention.

How long is the procedure?

This is very dependent on the difficulty of the procedure.

Is the procedure painful?

Generally, you will be completely numb during the removal of the wisdom tooth. Most people will be sore for a few days after the extraction. This pain will vary depending on the complexity/difficulty of the extraction.

How common are problematic wisdom teeth?

It is recommended that a problematic wisdom tooth is removed between the ages of 18 – 24. After this age, it becomes much more difficult to extract because the bone becomes denser and the roots finish forming. There are even special techniques to remove wisdom teeth in the early to mid-teens before they finish forming.