Wisdom teeth
They usually appear between 17 and 25, at the back of the mouth. When there isn't enough room, they stay stuck in the bone or gum, grow at an angle, get infected (swollen, painful gum behind the last molar) or damage the neighbouring tooth.
A well-positioned wisdom tooth with no symptoms doesn't need removing. A panoramic X-ray shows its position, shape and how close it is to the jaw nerve, so we can decide together.
The procedure
After local anaesthetic, the tooth is loosened and removed. For an impacted wisdom tooth, the gum sometimes has to be opened and the tooth sectioned into pieces, followed by a few stitches. Depending on difficulty, it takes 15 minutes to an hour.
If the X-ray shows a very deep wisdom tooth or one very close to the nerve, a 3D scan may be requested and the procedure may be referred to an oral surgeon.
After the extraction
Bite on the gauze for 30 minutes. For the first 24 hours: no vigorous rinsing, no smoking, no hot drinks or straws, and soft, lukewarm food. Apply cold to the cheek. Swelling and discomfort are normal for 2 to 4 days, especially after a wisdom tooth; take the prescribed medication.
Call the practice if pain increases after the third day, bleeding won't stop, or you have a fever.
What next?
A wisdom tooth isn't replaced. For other teeth, the gap can be filled with an implant, bridge or denture: we discuss this before the extraction to plan ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Should all four wisdom teeth come out at once?
Not necessarily. They can be removed in one or several visits depending on their position and your comfort; we decide after the X-ray.
How long does the swelling last?
It peaks on the second day and then goes down. Most patients are back to normal activities after 2 to 3 days.
What is dry socket?
Inflammation of the socket when the blood clot doesn't form properly. It causes strong pain a few days after the extraction and is easily treated at the practice: call if pain gets worse instead of better.