Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the rear of your mouth that are known as "wisdom teeth" because they typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 (the so-called "age of wisdom"). Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were originally necessary so that our early ancestors could eat their tough diet, which required more chewing power. But as human dietary preferences and jawbone anatomy have changed over time, wisdom teeth are no longer simply unnecessary but frequently harmful to our oral health today. The average modern human mouth can comfortably hold 28 teeth due to softer diets and shorter jawbones. The advent of four wisdom teeth generally generates crowding and eruption problems that can give birth to a number of oral health disorders.

Not all cases of impacted wisdom teeth result in symptoms. The gum that surrounds or covers the wisdom tooth can get infected, and cavities may develop in the teeth next to it or even in the wisdom tooth itself, if food gets lodged between the gum and the neighbouring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in a variety of issues, including cyst development and jawbone tumours.

Our dentist will examine your wisdom teeth during a consultation and order an OPG x-ray to determine the size and shape of the roots. If the infection is serious, antibiotics and painkillers may be necessary.

There are three possible forms of treatment:

• Postpone surgery while keeping an eye on the signs.

• Have the tooth or teeth surgically removed while you're sedated with happy gas and local anaesthesia in the chair.

• Anesthesia-induced surgical extraction.

Around the world, five million people have their wisdom teeth removed annually. Surgery is occasionally unneeded, though.

To decide if you are a candidate, your dentist will inspect your mouth and take an x-ray. To see if the impacted tooth would correct itself once it pushes through the gum, surgeons occasionally postpone surgery. If there is an infection in the area surrounding the tooth, treatment will also be delayed.

If a tooth is painful or there is obviously not enough room for it to erupt, your dentist may occasionally recommend early removal of one or more wisdom teeth. When you are young, the surrounding bone is softer and the roots have not yet fully developed, making removal easier.

Your dentist will respond to any questions you have, but ultimately, it is your decision.

Your doctor will give advice on the most effective approach for extracting problematic wisdom teeth following an x-ray examination. Depending on how complicated the case is, this. You might be offered a local anaesthesia if your situation is relatively straightforward. This will make your lower face and gums numb, enabling a painless extraction.

Your dentist could prescribe medication or happy gas to help you relax during surgery if you're feeling anxious. Your dentist will advise general anaesthetic if the extraction is complex or if several teeth need to be removed. We have an on-staff anaesthetic at Lotus Dental Brunswick, and procedures can be completed while you sit in the chair.

In order to extract the wisdom teeth, your dentist will create an incision to split open your gums. To access the tooth, your dentist might need to remove a small bit of bone sometimes.

To get rid of the tooth gently and easily, it might need to be broken into portions. Stitches are occasionally required. If so, your dentist will either remove them or they will dissolve over the course of a few days.

Your dentist will ask you to take some time to relax and will keep an eye on you as you heal. Driving is prohibited following surgery. In ahead, request a friend or family member to drive you home. Get lots of rest, take a few days off from work or school, and abstain from drinking and smoking. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing any other intense activities. Drink plenty of water and limit your diet to soft foods like yoghurt, soups, and stews. Each person experiences pain differently, therefore your dentist will recommend a pain reduction strategy that is personalised for you. Pain may last up to a week, but it normally starts to fade after the second day.

After surgery, it’s totally natural to be a bit painful. It's possible that you have restricted jaw movement and find it difficult to open your mouth widely. Additionally, the cheeks, eyes, and mouth can swell. This varies person to person and might be moderate or severe. You can relax knowing that it is a typical, healthy reaction and peaks on the third day. Blood loss on the first day is also typical. The lower jaw nerves being damaged by the extraction of the lower wisdom teeth is another potential side effect, however, it is not often. The lips, tongue, or gum close to the treated area may have an odd sensation as a result. Generally this difficulty is transitory, however in rare circumstances it might be long lasting.

During the first 24 hours following surgery, ice packs can be placed on the cheeks. The solution is a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a fresh tea towel to keep it from being too chilly. This will ease discomfort during the healing process in addition to reducing edoema.

Bite down hard for at least 30 seconds on the gauze pad your dentist gave you to stop bleeding. If you misplace it, you can use a fresh handkerchief, tampon, or used tea bag. Tissues and cotton wool can shred and should not be used. Contact your dentist right away if this doesn't stop the bleeding. Taking "blood thinners" will make this much more crucial.

Depending on the complexity of the impaction and the structure of the tooth and roots, the average cost of wisdom tooth extraction can range from $250 to $500 per tooth. After the initial consultation, our dentist will provide you with a precise price quote.

If general anaesthesia is required, the anaesthetic costs are $1625, and a Medicare refund might be available.

The extraction of wisdom teeth and dental sedation are typically covered by private dental insurance. Refunds will differ according on your policy. Please verify your policy or contact your insurance. The item numbers 323 and 324 should be verified with your insurance.

Smoking and vaping are completely forbidden for at least three days following extractions due to the risk of serious bleeding, infection, and dry socket (delayed healing).

Following surgical extraction, it is recommended to take two to five days off from work and physical activity.