Impacted wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth that are causing pain, infection, or other problems. Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, they may become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge or grow in at an angle that causes problems.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of issues, including pain, swelling, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and even cysts or tumours in rare cases. Removal is typically recommended when wisdom teeth become symptomatic or causing problem to surrounding structures.

Reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth: (BAOS)

• The most common reason is repeated infections (pericoronitis) of the gum overlying a wisdom tooth.
• Decay in the wisdom tooth, which your dentist can not fill.
• Decay in the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth. The dentist can’t fill this tooth properly until the wisdom tooth is removed.
• Infection (abscess) at the bottom of the wisdom tooth root.
• When the molar tooth next to the wisdom tooth is affected by gum (periodontal) disease.
• A cyst (fluid filled sac) forming around the wisdom tooth.
• As part of other operations on the jaw where the wisdom tooth is “in the way”.

The removal of wisdom teeth

Some wisdom teeth are harder to take out than others. It can involve a cut in the gum close to the tooth. Sometimes some bone around the tooth is taken away with a drill and the tooth may be cut into smaller pieces. This makes removing the tooth and root easier. Stitches will be placed in the area and these dissolves usually by themselves in one to two weeks.

The procedure can be carried out with just an injection in the gum to numb the area (local anaesthetic), with or without sedation, or general anaesthetic may be suggested if the extractions are difficult. This may also be the case if you are very anxious or frightened. There may also be medical or personal reasons why sedation or general anaesthetic are necessary. (BAOS)

Since every patient’s dental needs and problems can vary, we recommend contacting our dental team to schedule a consultation and determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.