WISDOM TEETH

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop, and tend to be appear in the late teens or early 20s. Most people have all 4 wisdom teeth, however occasionally some are missing, and sometimes they do not develop at all. 

Our prehistoric human ancestors had much larger jaws, and therefore they had enough space for wisdom teeth to grow through (erupt) normally. Evolutionary and diet changes now mean that we don’t require our wisdom teeth, and often there is not enough room for them to completely erupt. 

The term impacted is used to describe a wisdom tooth that is stuck in the jaw, or erupts in an abnormal position, due to a lack of space.

CAN I LEAVE MY WISDOM TEETH WHERE THEY ARE?

 

A wisdom tooth can be kept in place if it: 

  • Has erupted completely

  • Is normally aligned

  • Functions normally without pain

  • Is not affected by decay or gum disease

  • Can be easily maintained with normal oral hygiene measures

If the decision is made to leave your wisdom teeth in place, then you will need to continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups, cleaning, and x-rays to ensure that these wisdom teeth don’t develop problems. 

WHEN DO WE NEED TO REMOVE WIDSOM TEETH?

 

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are

  • Impacted

  • Painful

  • Infected 

  • Developing cavities 

  • Causing gum disease

  • At risk of damaging neighbouring teeth 

  • Difficult to keep clean and maintain long term

  • Getting in the way of orthodontic treatment

An impacted, or partially impacted, wisdom tooth can cause jaw pain, gum inflammation, food trapping, and bad breath. At Focus Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you will have a consultation to determine whether you require wisdom tooth surgery. The need for wisdom tooth removal is determined by assessing the position of your wisdom teeth, checking your overall oral health, and taking x-rays. 

POST OPERATIVE CARE FOLLOWING WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY

 

What to expect after surgery

Moderate discomfort is expected after wisdom tooth surgery. Swelling is expected, and may lag behind the surgery by 48 hours. You can minimise the amount of swelling by sleeping with your head elevated, and applying ice packs regularly within the first 2 days. The jaw muscles may feel tight for a few days, and it may hurt to chew solid food during this time. 

How to care for your mouth after surgery

Good mouth care after surgery helps to speed up wound healing and prevent infection. You will usually be prescribed a chlorhexidine-based mouth rinse, such as Savacol or Curasept, to use within the first week. Brushing your teeth twice a day as normal is important for keeping the rest of your mouth clean. It is very important to avoid smoking, as this can interfere with wound healing and lead to infection.

 

How long do I need off work?

The amount of time off work depends on the difficulty of your wisdom tooth surgery, and also how your body responds to the procedure. Less complex surgery might only cause mild discomfort for 1-2 days. If you need removal of all four impacted wisdom teeth, then you may require up to a week off work. Your dentist or surgeon will be able to provide you with more accurate advice prior to your surgery. 

WHY CHOOSE FOCUS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY?

 

Dr William Huynh, Dr Omar Breik and Jameel Kaderbhai are all oral surgery specialists, with extensive experience in wisdom tooth surgery. Our clinics are conveniently located in Coorparoo, Brisbane, and Bardon Brisbane, and are purpose-built for oral surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal. We offer a range of options for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, including IV sedation, and general anaesthetic. Our aim is to turn wisdom tooth surgery into a comfortable and pleasant experience. We offer transparent pricing, and flexible payment options, including payment plans for your wisdom tooth surgery.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

 

The exact cost of your procedure depends on the number of teeth that require removal, and whether the treatment is completed under local anaesthetic, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthetic. However, we aim to have fees that are as transparent as possible, and our surgical fee for removal of all 4 wisdom teeth is $2450, no matter how complex they are. If you have private health insurance, then you may receive a rebate from your health fund. We are able to provide the ADA item numbers so that you can contact your health fund to determine the rebate prior to your procedure. Please see our page on fees and insurance for further information about the cost of a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation.

 Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner