Wisdom Teeth & Dental Extractions
Wisdom teeth (third molars) and other teeth may need to be removed for a variety of reasons. Teeth are either erupted, that is protruding through the gum or unerupted that is completely covered by the gum tissue and bone to a greater or lesser degree. Teeth are attached to the jaw bone and removal of teeth usually involves some bone removal. Usually you will have been referred to the practice because the removal of the tooth, or teeth, require the skills of a Specialist.
Teeth both erupted or unerupted may need to be removed because they are infected or there may be a risk of them becoming infected. Some teeth are removed because there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth. Other teeth are removed because they have cavities that cannot be easily restored or the teeth may be cracked and not easily repaired. Some teeth may be impacted, that is they are trapped by other teeth or bone and prevented from fully erupting. A radiograph (Xray) is required prior to removing a tooth and your referring doctor or dentist may wish to send a radiograph of the tooth or teeth in question.
Some teeth may be associated with cysts (fluid filled cavities in the bone or soft tissue) usually the tooth would be removed in addition to the cyst. If a cyst is large it may require special treatment.
As with any surgery there are risks associated with removing teeth, the risks may vary with the age and general health of the individual or to the tooth or teeth being removed.
During your consultation with one of our specialist doctors a comprehensive history and examination of the problem will undertaken and radiographs (Xrays) examined. Treatment options will be discussed Some teeth can be removed under local anaesthetic alone, some can be removed under what is known as intravenous sedation (twilight anaesthesia) and some may require the patient having a General anaesthetic in hospital. Since teeth are attached to bone and gum tissue, tooth removal is followed by a healing phase. Post-operative pain and recovery time varies depending on many factors and may require multiple days of at home recovery. Your surgeon will guide you as to what you are likely to expect, bearing in mind that there is sometimes significant variability from one person or procedure to another.
The benefits and risks and of the proposed surgery will be discussed. You will be given information about your proposed surgery and will receive a quotation for fees involved. You are then in a position to make informed consent after knowing the risks and hazards involved.