Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Lakes Dental Tauriko

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Impact

When your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, emerge, it's not uncommon for them to become impacted or stuck in the jaw. Cleaning around these trapped wisdom teeth can be challenging and may lead to tooth decay or gum swelling at the back of your mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath, soreness, and even infections. If an infection occurs, it often requires treatment with antibiotics, which can make it difficult to open your mouth and may lead to swollen glands and a fever. If you experience any of these unpleasant side effects, it’s often advisable to have your wisdom teeth removed.

At Lakes Dental Tauriko, located at 200 Lakes Boulevard in Tauriko, our experienced dentists are more than happy to help you manage and treat issues related to wisdom teeth.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or trapped and have led to recurrent infections, removal is recommended. We also suggest removing wisdom teeth if they are causing pain or if there are signs of decay or gum disease. Rest assured, you’ll be just as wise without your third molars! They’re called wisdom teeth because they emerge in early adulthood, unlike the rest of your teeth which arrive during childhood.

The Removal Process

Getting your wisdom teeth extracted might sound daunting, but in most cases, it is a straightforward dental procedure that can eliminate ongoing tooth pain and discomfort. At Lakes Dental Tauriko, wisdom tooth removal is typically performed by our skilled dentists under local anaesthetic. For patients with especially stubborn wisdom teeth, the procedure may be carried out under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting by an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Post-Wisdom Tooth Removal Treatment

While you won’t feel pain during the wisdom teeth removal, swelling, discomfort, and sometimes pain following the procedure are common. Our dentists will prescribe appropriate pain medication to help manage any post-treatment discomfort. Rest is crucial for your recovery, and we recommend taking two days off work.

Potential Post-Procedure Complications:

• Dry Sockets: Sometimes, blood clots form and prevent proper healing. This may occur around Day 3 post-surgery and will be accompanied by pain, soreness, and bad breath or an unpleasant taste. If you notice signs of dry sockets, contact Lakes Dental Tauriko immediately for treatment.
• Temporary Numbness: In some cases, wisdom teeth removal can result in temporary numbness. This is rarely serious and usually resolves itself within a few weeks. However, very occasionally, numbness can last for months or even years.

Follow-Up Appointments and Recovery Care

Your Lakes Dental Tauriko dentist will provide you with detailed instructions to promote healing, including:

• Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing near the affected teeth and follow tips to keep your mouth clean.
• Dietary Recommendations: Stick to soft foods and avoid those that could disrupt the healing process.
• Recovery Tips: Additional important information to aid in your care and recovery.

You will have a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after your wisdom tooth extraction to check your healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary.

Speak to Lakes Dental Tauriko for More Information

If you are experiencing sore, impacted, or infected wisdom teeth in Tauriko, talk to Lakes Dental Tauriko. If you have had your wisdom teeth removed and have any concerns, get in touch with us today.