地址
7/151 Cowper Street
Dickson ACT, 2602
营业时间
星期一至星期四 9-5pm
星期五 8-3pm
星期六 (隔周营业) 9-5pm
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Your Comfort-Focused Wisdom Tooth Removal in Dickson, Canberra
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often the last teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never experience issues, for many, their arrival can bring discomfort and lead to various dental problems. At Dickson Park Dental Surgery in Dickson, Canberra, we provide gentle and effective wisdom tooth extractions to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and safeguard your overall oral health.
Our experienced team ensures a thorough assessment, clear communication, and a comfortable experience, guiding you through every step of the wisdom tooth removal process.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the very back corners of your mouth, on both the top and bottom. They are the final set of molars to develop.
In prehistoric times, these extra molars were useful for chewing tough, unprocessed foods. However, as our diets and jaw structures have evolved, many people's jaws are simply too small to accommodate these additional teeth without causing problems. This often leads to them becoming impacted or erupting incorrectly.
Why Might Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, extraction is often recommended when they cause pain or threaten your oral health. Common reasons include:
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Impaction: This is the most frequent reason. An impacted wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to erupt properly and may grow at an angle, horizontally, or remain trapped beneath the gum line or bone. Impaction can cause pain, swelling, and damage to adjacent teeth.
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Pain and Discomfort: Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth or inflammation around partially erupted teeth can cause significant pain in the jaw, ear, or head.
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Crowding: Erupting wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, leading to misalignment, crowding, or damage to orthodontic work.
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Infection (Pericoronitis): When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the gum flap, leading to recurrent infections, swelling, and severe pain.
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Cysts or Tumours: In rare cases, a sac of fluid (cyst) or a tumour can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, damaging surrounding bone and teeth.
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Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth, making them highly susceptible to decay, which can then spread to neighbouring teeth.
If you're experiencing any discomfort or suspect your wisdom teeth are causing problems, it's important to have them assessed at Dickson Park Dental Surgery.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process at Dickson Park Dental Surgery
We strive to make your wisdom tooth extraction as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here's what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment:
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Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth.
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X-rays (usually OPG) will be taken to visualise the position of your wisdom teeth, their roots, and their proximity to nerves or sinuses.
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We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options, including whether extraction is necessary and if it can be performed at our clinic or requires referral to a specialist oral surgeon.
2. The Procedure:
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Anaesthesia: The area will be completely numbed using local anaesthetic so you won't feel any pain during the extraction. We also offer sedation options for anxious patients to ensure maximum comfort.
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Extraction:
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For an erupted tooth, it's often a straightforward extraction.
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For impacted teeth, a small incision may be made in the gum to expose the tooth. Sometimes, a small amount of bone may need to be removed, or the tooth might be divided into smaller pieces to facilitate removal.
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Sutures (Stitches): Once the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, and sutures (dissolvable or non-dissolvable) may be placed to help the gum heal.
3. Post-Procedure Instructions:
We'll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. This will include advice on managing discomfort, controlling swelling, diet, and oral hygiene.
Recovery and Aftercare After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Proper aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications like dry socket. Most people feel significantly better within a few days, with full healing taking a few weeks.
Immediately After the Procedure:
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Bleeding: You'll bite on gauze pads to help a blood clot form in the socket. Change pads as instructed.
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Swelling: Apply ice packs to your cheek for 15-20 minutes on, 15-20 minutes off, for the first 24-48 hours to minimise swelling.
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Pain: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
During the First Few Days:
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Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours.
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Diet: Stick to soft foods (e.g., soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes) and cool liquids. Avoid hot foods, crunchy foods, and using straws.
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Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours (don't spit vigorously). Brush your other teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site.
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Avoid: Smoking, alcohol, vigorous rinsing, or touching the extraction site. These can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful "dry socket."
Our team at Dickson Park Dental Surgery will be available to answer any questions you have during your recovery period in Canberra.