Wisdom Tooth

Adults have up to 32 teeth, of which four are wisdom teeth and these are the last to come through the gum. They are the ones right at the back of the mouth and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 although sometimes they can appear in later years.

If there is enough room in the mouth the wisdom teeth will come through (erupt) in a useful position and there will only be minor discomfort as they erupt. However, wisdom teeth can cause problems if there is not enough room in the mouth, as the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle and gets stuck against the tooth in front; the dentist will describe this as 'Impacted'. Impacted teeth can be uncomfortable, and can often cause disruptions to your daily routine. In such cases, a wisdom tooth extraction at Supreme Dental Maryborough may be recommended.

Why Wisdom Teeth Sometimes  NEED REMOVAL

Many people first notice their wisdom teeth when they start feeling discomfort at the back of their mouth, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing. While this is common, not every case requires immediate extraction. The best way to know is through a proper dental assessment. At Supreme Dental Maryborough, we use detailed X-rays and scans to check the position of your wisdom teeth and help you make an informed decision about whether extraction is necessary.

Common reasons for recommending wisdom tooth extraction in Melbourne include:

• Impaction (when the tooth grows sideways or doesn’t erupt fully)
• Pain and swelling at the back of the mouth
• Repeated gum infections (pericoronitis)
• Decay or cavities that are hard to clean
• Pressure on neighbouring teeth causing misalignment
• Formation of cysts or other jaw problems around impacted teeth

THE WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCESS

At Supreme Dental Maryborough, we will be able to assess whether there is sufficient room for the teeth to erupt by taking an x-ray which will show the position of the root. Once the x-rays have been taken, we’ll be able to tell how easy or difficult it will be to remove the tooth. Your dentist will only recommend a wisdom tooth extraction if:

• The teeth haven’t fully erupted through the gum and are causing an infection in the surrounding tissue; known as Pericoronitis.
• There is decay present - wisdom teeth will often decay as it is very difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth.

Here’s a step-by-step process for wisdom tooth extraction at Supreme Dental Maryborough:

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

Your dentist will examine your mouth and review your X-rays to plan the best approach for safe removal.

Step 2: Local Anaesthesia

The area around the tooth will be numbed to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Extraction

For a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out. If the tooth is impacted or partially trapped under the gum, a small incision may be made for easier removal.

Step 4: Cleaning and Closure

Once removed, the area is cleaned to prevent infection. Stitches may be placed to assist healing.

For many patients, the entire procedure is completed in one visit. Depending on the complexity, your dentist will advise whether you’ll need to see a specialist oral surgeon.

After wisdom tooth extraction, some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising is expected for a few days. Following your dentist’s instructions can make the recovery smoother and faster.

POST-EXTRACTION TIPS TO HELP WITH RECOVERY

Once your wisdom tooth extraction in Maryborough is complete, proper aftercare plays an important role in ensuring healing and preventing complications.

• Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Avoid hot food and drinks for the first 24 hours.
• Eat soft foods like soups, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes.
• Avoid using straws, as suction can disturb the healing area.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean.
• Take prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.

Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit to check healing and remove stitches if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions