Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt into the mouth.
They are frequently a problem. There is often not enough space for them to come through completely. These can lead to infection around the teeth which in some cases can be severe. They are frequently difficult to clean leaving them more susceptible to tooth decay or decay in the teeth next to them.
If they are a problem or the dentist perceives they may be a problem the extraction is usually the treatment of choice.
The degree of difficulty of the extractions varies from easy to extremely difficult. The usual advice – if you are to have four teeth extracted – is best to anticipate a week’s rest.
Extraction of wisdom teeth requires careful assessment with the appropriate examination and radiographs. The results of these will be discussed with the patient as to the best path to proceed.
It is technically possible to take out teeth in the chair using local anaesthetic but many people find the idea of extraction of wisdom teeth quite confronting and require additional sedative techniques to allow them to cope. We offer a range of sedation techniques varying from Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation or intravenous sedation with an anaesthetist. If a general anaesthetic is the preferred option we can refer you to an oral surgeon who will be able to extract the teeth in hospital.
