If your wisdom tooth needs to be removed, we explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions you have and obtain your consent for the surgery.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area completely and minimise any discomfort. We carefully rock your tooth back and forth, loosening it little by little until it is easily able to be removed.
If your wisdom tooth is impacted, we may need to make a small cut in your gum in order to successfully remove it. We may also need to divide larger teeth into sections for a smoother extraction.
Once your tooth has been removed, we make sure you are feeling completely well and give you some tailored advice and guidance to support your quick recovery.
Most initial swelling and tenderness subside within a few days and can be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients comfortably return to work or normal daily activities within two to three days.
If your wisdom tooth is not causing any pain or discomfort, there is usually no need to remove it. Some infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics and the wisdom tooth is able to be left, even if impacted, and kept an eye on at your regular dental examinations. However, if the problem persists, or the impacted tooth is causing issues with cleaning your teeth, we may decide it needs to be removed.
The procedure is entirely pain-free because local anaesthetic completely numbs the surrounding tissue. You will feel a slight tugging pressure as the tooth is loosened, but no pain.
The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to around half an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the timescale at your initial appointment.
Stick to soft foods like soups or yoghurt for the first few days, avoiding hot, crunchy, or chewy options that could irritate the healing socket. Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can disrupt the natural healing process.
