Dental extractions and wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are generally a concern for patients because they can become impacted and cause symptoms related to infection and damage to adjacent teeth. Orthodontists are also often keen to have wisdom teeth removed to prevent any relapse of teeth following orthodontic treatment.

Wisdom teeth may require a minor surgical procedure for their removal. There are various ways that are available for their removal:

1. Local anaesthetic in the chair
2. Local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation (twilight dentistry) as day surgery
3. General anaesthetic in hospital

The risks associated with wisdom teeth removal include infection, discomfort and numbness.

Oral anibiotics are provided at the time of surgery and for 3 days post surgery to prevent any infection. 

Wisdom teeth usually cause some pain and discomfort following the procedure. Patients are generally affected for about 5-7 days afterwards. Pain relief is often required for this period, and is generally in the order of regular Panadine 15 or Paracetamol and NSAIDs (such as Neurofen). Stronger analgesia can make patients feel nauseous which we endeavour to avoid.

Numbness is extremely unlikely; however, feeling to the tongue and lower lip can be affected with this surgery due to the close proximity of the nerves. Dr Grave will assess an x-ray and provide you with the detail of that assessment prior to surgery.