Wisdom Teeth Removal Liverpool — When Is It Necessary?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth. They typically appear in the late teens or early twenties—an age when a person is said to have gained “wisdom.”
While some people never experience issues with their wisdom teeth, for many others, these late arrivals cause significant pain, crowding, and infection. At Your Family Dentist in Liverpool NSW, we regularly assess and extract problematic wisdom teeth. But how do you know if yours need to come out?
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
The primary reason wisdom teeth cause issues is a simple lack of space. The human jaw has evolved to be smaller than it was thousands of years ago, meaning there is often not enough room to accommodate these four extra molars (two on the top, two on the bottom).
Because of this lack of space, wisdom teeth often become impacted. This means they are unable to fully emerge through the gums. They may grow sideways, emerge only partially, or remain completely trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed
Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If they grow in completely, are positioned correctly, and can be cleaned easily, they can be kept. However, extraction is necessary if you experience any of the following:
1. Pain and Swelling
The most common symptom of an impacted wisdom tooth is pain at the back of the jaw. This can range from a dull ache to severe, throbbing pain. You may also notice swelling in the gums around the tooth or even swelling on the outside of your jaw.
2. Pericoronitis (Gum Infection)
When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, a flap of gum tissue often remains over the tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped under this flap, leading to a painful infection called pericoronitis. This can cause bad breath, an unpleasant taste, and difficulty opening your mouth.
3. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
If a wisdom tooth is growing sideways (horizontally impacted), it can push against the adjacent second molar. This pressure can damage the roots of the second molar or create a trap for plaque, leading to decay on a tooth that is otherwise perfectly healthy.
4. Crowding
There is ongoing debate among dental professionals about whether wisdom teeth exert enough pressure to cause the front teeth to become crowded. However, if you have previously had orthodontic treatment, your dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth as a precaution to prevent any shifting of your straightened smile.
5. Cysts or Tumours
In rare cases, the sac surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst. This cyst can damage the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth. If left untreated, a tumour may develop, requiring more extensive surgical removal.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
If we determine that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we will carefully plan the procedure. The complexity of the extraction depends on the position of the tooth and whether it is impacted in bone or just soft tissue.
- Assessment: We use OPG (panoramic) X-rays to see the exact position of the teeth and their proximity to nerves in the jaw.
- Anaesthesia: The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic (you are awake but numb), or with the addition of relative analgesia (happy gas) if you are anxious.
- Extraction: If the tooth has erupted, it may be a simple extraction. If it is impacted, we will make a small incision in the gum, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and carefully extract the tooth (sometimes dividing it into smaller pieces for easier removal).
- Recovery: We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including how to manage swelling and what soft foods to eat during the first few days of recovery.
Book Your Wisdom Tooth Assessment in Liverpool
If you are experiencing pain at the back of your mouth, or if you are in your late teens and want to check the progress of your wisdom teeth, book an assessment with our experienced team.
Do not wait for an infection to develop.
Call Your Family Dentist Liverpool on (02) 7256 4979 or book your appointment online today.