Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Removal

Easy straight forward extractions can be completed in a little as half an hour, most of this time is making sure you are numb and comfortable.

However, there are the more difficult cases such as wisdom teeth that sometimes require surgical removal.

Wisdom teeth are the most commonly missing teeth and erupt between the ages of 17 -25. An OPG x-ray is taken to see if there are any wisdom teeth and their position. If the jaw is big enough to fit the wisdom teeth there is no reason to have them extracted.

Wisdom teeth are able to function as normal teeth but if there is no room for them, they may erupt on a funny angle or become impacted. This will make them hard to clean meaning they are at more risk of getting cavities. Wisdom teeth take more planning then a simple extraction and sometimes a referral is needed to a specialist. Reasons that a specialist may be the best option is if the wisdom tooth is impacted and close to the inferior alveolar nerve. The inferior alveolar nerve is that nerve the supplies feeling to the teeth, tongue, lips and cheek. If the wisdom teeth are too close to the nerve there may be a chance of damaging the nerve resulting in temporary or permanent loss of feeling. Although there is a very low risk of this happening a specialist that is able to remove wisdom teeth under general anaesthetic would be the best option. 

More simple wisdom teeth extractions can be removed in the dental chair without needing to see a specialist and have a general anaesthetic. During the procedure you will be completely numb and won’t feel any pain. We have happy gas available for use so that you are able to feel calm and relaxed if needed.