A dental tooth extraction involves the careful removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure becomes necessary for a variety of reasons, including severe decay, irreparable damage, wisdom teeth growth, or the need to create space for orthodontic treatment.
What are wisdom teeth?
When most people are in their late teens or early twenties, their wisdom teeth will erupt. These four teeth - two on the top and two on the bottom - are located at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through, and are also referred to as the "third molars" or even "18-year-old molars".
There is a certain percentage of the population who don't even have wisdom teeth, or not all four at least. This is perfectly normal, and not having wisdom teeth is hereditary.
For a small percentage of people, their wisdom teeth erupting is uneventful and without complications. And yet for others, their wisdom teeth can become painful and infected. In those cases, wisdom tooth removal may be the best option. If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, our dentists are here to help.
When do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are normally extracted during the teenage or young adult years as a preventative measure. The extraction process is much easier during the development stage, and this can help to reduce the risk of issues such as crowding or infection arising in the future.
Wisdom teeth can be removed later in life, although there is a higher chance of complications as the roots will be fully developed.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Not everyone experiences issues with their wisdom teeth, however many people lack the space needed to accommodate the wisdom teeth. This results in the wisdom teeth becoming ‘impacted’ or trapped within the gums or jawbone. In addition to experiencing pain and swelling, this leads to an increased risk of infection, gum disease and tooth decay.
Overcrowding is another common issue, whereby the wisdom teeth exert pressure on neighbouring teeth causing pain and discomfort. Eventually, this can lead to the development of crooked teeth.
If you notice the following symptoms, surgical wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Infection
- Irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
Preparing for a tooth extraction
Consultation: Confirm the cause of your pain and discuss anaesthesia or sedation options with your dentist.
Pre-surgery instructions: If having general anaesthesia, follow fasting guidelines provided by your dentist.
Arrange support: Organise a lift home, as you shouldn’t drive after sedation or anaesthesia.
Know what to expect: Wisdom tooth removal usually takes about an hour, with 1–2 weeks of recovery. Your dentist will give aftercare instructions and pain relief.
Recovering from a tooth extraction
After a tooth extraction, swelling, pain, and some bleeding are normal. Use ice packs for swelling and clean gauze for bleeding. Take pain relief as advised by your dentist, and antibiotics if prescribed. Drink plenty of water, but avoid smoking, vaping, or using straws to reduce the risk of dry socket.
Stick to soft foods and avoid hot drinks for the first 24 hours. Most people feel better within a week, but rest for the first couple of days and plan to have help at home. If you notice signs of infection or ongoing pain, contact your dentist straight away.
Get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of tooth extraction varies, depending on how difficult they are to remove, where the procedure is performed and who performs it. Delaying tooth removals can lead to more complications, resulting in not only pain but additional costs.
On average the recovery time for a tooth extraction is 1-2 weeks. However, most people can back to their normal routine within 3-5 days.
Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to keep your comfortable while you heal.
Dry socket is a complication that can occur after any tooth removal. When teeth are extracted, a blood clot forms over the extraction site. This clot protects bones and nerve endings. If the clot doesn't form or later becomes dislodged, a dry socket can result.
Dry socket typically occurs 1-3 days after your wisdom teeth are removed, and symptoms include:
- Severe pain that gets worse and is not lessened by medication.
- Pain radiating on the same side of your face as the extraction.
- Bad taste or odour in the mouth.
- Seeing visible bone.
Schedule your appointment today
Don’t let tooth pain disrupt your life. At DentArana, our gentle extractions and surgical care can relieve discomfort, protect your oral health, and set the stage for a stronger smile. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.