Wisdom Tooth

A wisdom tooth is also known as the third molar. In general, wisdom teeth will grow out of the gums between the ages of 18 to 21. If the wisdom tooth erupts straight out, they do not need to be removed. However, these wisdom teeth does not always grow out as desired.

When they do not erupt properly, wisdom teeth can cause pain and infection. This is when the removal of these wisdom teeth becomes necessary. The procedure can be performed by specialists to ensure that the removal is safe and painless.

Wisdom Tooth Surgery

A wisdom tooth surgery is a procedure whereby the dentist performs a minor but delicate surgical procedure to safely remove a wisdom tooth that has not erupted as desired.

Wisdom tooth surgeries are usually done under local anaesthesia. However, there is a small percentage of patients who are sensitive to pain and are anxious about the procedure, these patients have the option of having the removal done under intra-venous sedation. The intra-venous sedation, is done by a qualified specialist to help patients sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.

Research has shown that wisdom tooth surgery is a very safe and straight-forward procedure. With proper examination and x-rays analysis, dentists will be able to predictably and safely perform wisdom tooth surgical procedures. The x-rays helps the dentist to plan for a successful surgery and to note on details like the positioning of your wisdom tooth and how close the root is growing to the nerve that runs in the lower jaw. This is important as the compression of the nerve will cause the patient to experience some numbness to the lower lip.

There are some common discomfort that the patient will experience in the initial days after the surgery. Mild pain, bleeding and swelling lasting one of two days will be experienced, however, painkillers and other medication will be prescribed to aid with pain management and healing.