What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four—two on top, two on the bottom—but some may have fewer, or none at all. These teeth are relics from an earlier time when humans needed extra molars to grind down tough foods. Today, our jaws have evolved to be smaller, and as a result, there’s often not enough room for these teeth to grow in properly.

This lack of space can lead to dental complications, especially when wisdom teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are unable to fully break through the gum line or emerge in a straight position. They often grow at an angle, press against other teeth, or remain stuck within the jawbone. Because they are located at the back of the mouth, third molars are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss, making them susceptible to decay and infection.

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Problems and Why They Occur

In many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to fully emerge. They might grow sideways, push against other teeth, or remain trapped beneath the gum line. Even if they do come through the gums, they can be difficult to clean, making them more vulnerable to decay and infection.

The problems caused by wisdom teeth vary from person to person but commonly include gum inflammation, infection, tooth crowding, and cyst formation. Because these teeth are so far back in the mouth, they’re prone to becoming breeding grounds for bacteria.

Pain from impacted wisdom teeth can radiate through the jaw and even lead to headaches or earaches. Gum inflammation often results in swollen, red, or bleeding gums around the third molars. Tooth crowding may also occur as these extra molars push existing teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work. Additionally, a wisdom teeth infection can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but in many cases, early removal can prevent more serious complications down the line. We generally recommend extraction if you experience:

• Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
• Red or inflamed gums
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Recurrent infections or abscesses
• Pressure on nearby teeth

These signs of wisdom teeth problems should not be ignored. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, impacted wisdom teeth can damage surrounding teeth and cause alignment issues. That’s why we often recommend removing them before they cause major trouble.

In fact, X-rays for wisdom teeth are one of the most reliable ways to detect whether you have impacted wisdom teeth or signs of wisdom teeth problems. Routine dental check-ups that include X-rays for wisdom teeth allow our team to track the development of your wisdom teeth and determine when to remove wisdom teeth before symptoms escalate.

What’s Involved in Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

At Advanced Health Dental Centre, your comfort and safety are our priorities. We start with a comprehensive exam and X-rays for wisdom teeth to assess how the teeth are positioned and whether they’re likely to cause problems.

If wisdom teeth extraction is needed, we’ll guide you through the process. Depending on your specific case, we may use local or general anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. The teeth may be removed whole or in sections to minimise impact on surrounding bone and tissue.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common outpatient procedure performed by experienced dental professionals. Whether you're dealing with dental pain from wisdom teeth or planning a preventative extraction, our team ensures the process is smooth and stress-free.

Post-surgery, most patients recover within a few days. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this is manageable with rest, soft foods, and the aftercare instructions provided by our team. Recovery after wisdom teeth removal varies slightly from person to person, but following our detailed care guidelines helps reduce risks and promote healing.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

For a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal, it's important to follow a few simple yet effective steps.

• Stick to soft foods such as yoghurt, soup, and mashed potatoes for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site.
• Avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clots that are essential for proper healing.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling, and take any prescribed medications as directed to assist in managing discomfort.
• Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle near the extraction site to prevent disturbing the healing tissue.

Following these guidelines not only promotes faster healing but also reduces the risk of complications like infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene while avoiding direct contact with the surgical area can make a significant difference in your recovery. If you experience persistent pain from impacted wisdom teeth after your procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our team for a follow-up assessment.

Staying proactive and informed about oral health and wisdom teeth can help you avoid complications like impacted wisdom teeth, gum inflammation, and infections. Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but when they do, early action is always best.

If you’re dealing with existing dental pain from wisdom teeth, or if you’re unsure about your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with Advanced Health Dental Centre in Bankstown. Our experienced team will assess your situation and guide you on the best path forward.