Wisdom Teeth Removal

We utilise the most advanced dental imaging and best practice health standards to diagnose and safely remove all types of wisdom teeth impactions.

What are wisdom teeth and do they need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the rear of your mouth, and usually begin to grow during your late teens. There are usually four in total; two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. However, it is possible to have less than four wisdom teeth or even none.

Wisdom teeth can be removed to treat infections, orthodontic issues, cysts and prevent damage to the second molar.

Midway Dental Clinic Is A Fully Accredited Practice

What are the signs of wisdom tooth pain?

The obvious signs of wisdom tooth pain include but are not limited to:

MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

1. Consultation, Diagnosis and Planning

At Midway Dental Clinic we offer a free consultation for all wisdom teeth appointments.

Your dentist will assess the clinical condition of your wisdom teeth and take a 2D and/or 3D digital radiograph in order to better explain the procedure, determine the complexity and discuss the risks with you. This will ensure you are well informed and comfortable.

2. Discussion and Procedure

Your dentist will then discuss options of how your wisdom teeth can be removed; under local anaesthesia, oral sedation or twilight sedation.

Local Anaesthesia

Your dentist will ensure the tooth, gum and surrounding structures are numbed. With gentle pressure and possible tooth division, we lessen the force on the bone and gum which means the procedure and healing is more pleasant. In some cases, we may need to open the gum, remove infected tissues and close the area with stitches.

Please note a television is turned on for cognitive distraction, and music can be requested to ensure you are even more relaxed and comfortable.

Oral Sedation

To achieve a mild form of sedation, the dentist can prescribe you an oral pill to ease anxiety and tension before the wisdom tooth removal procedure. This will place you in a more relaxed frame of mind during and shortly after the procedure.

Please note local anaesthesia will still be used.

Twilight Sedation

Midway Dental Clinic also offers in-house twilight sedation in order to place you in a comfortable and deep sleep during the wisdom tooth removal procedure. Here, a qualified dental anaesthetist visits the practice in order to administer what is also known as IV or sleep sedation.

Please note local anaesthesia will still be used.

3. Recovery & After Care

Typically, it is our clinic’s policy to review your healing 1-2 weeks later in a second appointment. If stitches were used during the procedure, we will remove them.

Do I need to be sedated to take my wisdom tooth out?

Twilight sedation is a recommended option for those with high dental anxiety and/or strong gag reflexes. It is a specialised procedure to help you feel relaxed during the wisdom teeth removal procedure. Essentially, you are in a deep sleep where you remain less aware of your surroundings. You will undergo a full health evaluation including a review of your medical history and current medication use before sedation is administered.

Please note Midway Dental Clinic is QIP Accredited which means that we have been assessed and certified against six National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, applicable to dentistry.

What is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?

Generally, recovery will depend on the condition of the wisdom teeth, the current health of the patient, the difficulty of the procedure, pain tolerance and quality of after care. You will likely experience soreness and swelling for the first 2-3 days which can be relieved with antibiotics, strong pain medications and good aftercare. However, even though the area may require a few weeks to recover, most people are able to resume work and lifestyle duties within a few days of the procedure.

Your dentist will provide you with clear and informative post-operative instructions to minimise discomfort and improve the healing process.

Are wisdom teeth ever useful?

Wisdom teeth were more useful to our ancestors than they are to us today. Early humans had a tougher diet that included roots, leaves, meat, and nuts. These foods required a lot of chewing and therefore wore down their teeth. Wisdom teeth acted as a backup set of molars, helping replace worn-out teeth and making chewing easier.

Today, wisdom teeth can still be useful for the following reasons:

Extra Chewing Power: In some cases, people have larger jaws that can comfortably accommodate wisdom teeth. For these individuals, wisdom teeth can add extra chewing power without causing discomfort or crowding other teeth.

Replacement for Lost Teeth: If a person loses a molar or other back tooth, a healthy wisdom tooth can move into place and act as a natural replacement. This can help maintain chewing ability and jaw alignment.

Contributes to Stronger Bones: Having a full set of teeth, including wisdom teeth, can stimulate the jawbone through chewing and biting. This stimulation can keep the jawbone healthy and strong, which may reduce the risk of bone loss in the jaw over time.

Potential for Future Use: Even if wisdom teeth aren’t useful right now, they can be beneficial in the future if properly aligned. They can serve as replacement teeth later in life if you lose other teeth due to decay or trauma.

However, for most people, wisdom teeth cause more trouble than they are worth. Since modern diets are much softer, and we have better access to dental care, we do not tend to wear down our teeth as our ancestors did. Additionally, many people’s jaws are too small to fit the extra set of molars comfortably, leading to impacted teeth, crowding or infections.

While wisdom teeth are not as essential as they once were, they can still serve a purpose in certain situations. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of wisdom teeth can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.

Contact us today!

Our services are avaliable at both Ryde and Ashfield locations.

MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

A Fully Accredited Practice

An accredited dental practice is one where the dental staff have successfully completed a strict set of health care standards that are in line with National Safety and Quality Heath Service Standards.