Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Entrust your wisdom teeth assessment to our experienced team
Wisdom teeth (sometimes referred to as adult third molars) are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth - typically in the late teen to early adult years. Most people experience some issues with their wisdom teeth as it is estimated that over 80% of people struggle to keep their wisdom teeth.
Why do I have wisdom teeth?
While they may have been useful in our more primitive history, our diets have changed so much that our mouths have evolved leaving less space for wisdom teeth than originally intended. When the wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, they can become ‘stuck’ under the gums, known as impaction. Impacted teeth can be very problematic as they can irritate the gums, cause an abscess to develop, or even damage the surrounding nerve tissue or teeth.
When would I need to have them removed?
It is recommended for you or your child to have your wisdom teeth assessed around 17-21 years of age, which can make extraction much easier for both dentist and patient if they are creating issues. Patients around this age generally have a faster recovery rate, as the jaw can adapt more readily to these changes. Adults can have their wisdom teeth removed at any age, but it is important to note recovery may take longer. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, we recommend coming to see our elite dental professionals for an assessment.
There are a number of reasons why a wisdom tooth may need to be removed:
- Wisdom teeth can come into the mouth at an angle – distorting the proper alignment of your bite and smile
- Wisdom teeth can become impacted and not emerge straight – only partially coming through the gum line
- Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of issues including a distorted bite, decay, and even abscesses
Not all problems associated with wisdom teeth will cause pain, so it is important to regularly visit our practice for check-ups to assess the development of your wisdom teeth.
At Australia Fair Dental Care, we can expertly assess your wisdom teeth before they cause any further concerns. We may refer, and for complex cases, we do have a strong working relationship with the finest specialists in the area.