Tooth extractions & wisdom teeth removal
Precision meets care for a healthier smile.
The removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure when patients have wisdom teeth pain, swelling, tooth decay or there is simply not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through.
The experienced dentists at Perth Central Dental Centre can assess and extract your wisdom teeth before they even start to cause problems. The wisdom teeth can be removed safely and sedation can be organised when requested, to have it all done while you are asleep.
What are wisdom teeth?
When most people are in their late teens or early twenties, their wisdom teeth will erupt. These four teeth - two on the top and two on the bottom - are located at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through, and are also referred to as the "third molars" or even "18-year-old molars".
For a small percentage of people, their wisdom teeth erupting is uneventful and without complications. And yet for others, their wisdom teeth can become painful and infected. In those cases, wisdom tooth removal may be the best option. If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, our dentists are here to help.
When do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth that cannot fully come in are called impacted, which means they may erupt at an angle. In these cases, wisdom teeth can cause damage to surrounding teeth and soft tissue by exerting pressure on them. Some impacted teeth only partially erupt, creating a flap of gum tissue. Food and other debris can become trapped between the tissue flap and the tooth, resulting in an infection.
Additionally, cysts can form around impacted teeth. Cysts are pockets of fluid that can damage bone, surrounding teeth, and gums. Antibiotics can treat infections, but in many instances, removing wisdom teeth is necessary to permanently treat the problem.
Preparing for a tooth extraction
You will need to have a consultation with your dentist to confirm that your pain and discomfort is caused by your teeth. If you are having the procedure under general anaesthesia, your dentist will give you instructions on how long you need to fast for before surgery.
Perth Central Dental Centre work together with several experienced dental seditionists and medical anaesthetists to make your wisdom teeth removal as safe, easy and painless as possible. After an initial consultation, appointments can be organised under twilight sedation.
You will also need to organise for someone to pick you up, as you shouldn't drive after having general anaesthesia or sedatives.
Recovering from a tooth extraction
Your dentist will give you personalised post-op instructions, but there are also some general guidelines you should follow. After your teeth are removed, jaw swelling; pain; and some bleeding are normal. Using ice packs can help to reduce swelling and if bleeding does occur, apply pressure with clean gauze.
Your dentist will advise you on what over-the-counter pain medications to take and may prescribe, or recommend certain medications. You may or may not need antibiotics, depending on a variety of factors, and you must drink plenty of water. You should also avoid smoking, vaping, or drinking out of a straw during your recovery as these activities create a suction, which can increase your risk of developing a dry socket.
For most people, pain and discomfort resolve over a week. Plan to have help around the house for a day or two, as you should take it easy and rest. You will need to eat soft foods after your tooth extraction, so plan meals ahead of time. Hot food and beverages should also be avoided for the first 24 hours.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please get in touch. Food and other debris can become caught in a dry socket and result in an infection. Throughout your recovery, we will be there to answer any of your questions.
Get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.
Meet our tooth extraction specialist
Dr Wesley Huupponen BDSc (Hons) has extracted thousands of wisdom teeth for his patients for more than 15 years. Graduating with Honours from the University of Western Australia in 2001, Dr Huupponen receives regular referrals from other dentists and patients for the removal of wisdom teeth.
His knowledge and experience in wisdom teeth removal have already helped thousands of patients with wisdom teeth pain.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of tooth extraction varies, depending on how difficult they are to remove, where the procedure is performed and who performs it. Delaying tooth removals can lead to more complications, resulting in not only pain but additional costs.
On average the recovery time for a tooth extraction is 1-2 weeks. However, most people can back to their normal routine within 3-5 days.
Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to keep your comfortable while you heal.
Dry socket is a complication that can occur after any tooth removal. When teeth are extracted, a blood clot forms over the extraction site. This clot protects bones and nerve endings. If the clot doesn't form or later becomes dislodged, a dry socket can result.
Dry socket typically occurs 1-3 days after your wisdom teeth are removed, and symptoms include:
- Severe pain that gets worse and is not lessened by medication.
- Pain radiating on the same side of your face as the extraction.
- Bad taste or odour in the mouth.
- Seeing visible bone.