Do My Wisdom Teeth Need Removing
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Not all wisdom teeth require removal. At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, your dentist will assess your wisdom teeth with a clinical examination and x-rays to determine whether extraction is recommended.
Removal may be advised when wisdom teeth are causing problems or are likely to cause issues in the future. Common concerns include:
- Impaction, where the tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gum or bone
- Crowding or pressure on adjacent teeth
- Infection or inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue (pericoronitis)
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring tooth due to difficult access for cleaning
- Cyst formation around an unerupted tooth
If your wisdom teeth have erupted fully, are positioned correctly, and can be cleaned effectively, your dentist may recommend monitoring them with regular check-ups rather than extraction.
The Extraction Process
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. The approach depends on the position and development of the tooth. A straightforward extraction may be performed for teeth that have fully erupted, while a surgical approach may be required for impacted or partially erupted teeth.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic at our Croydon clinic. Your dentist will discuss the specifics of your case beforehand, including what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area during the procedure
- Fully erupted teeth may be removed with a simple extraction
- Impacted teeth may require a minor surgical approach
- Your dentist will explain the procedure and answer any questions before starting
Recovery After Extraction
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though some swelling, mild discomfort, and limited jaw opening are common in the first 48 to 72 hours.
Your dentist at Divine Dental Care will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and minimise the risk of complications.
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of the cheek to help reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid hot liquids
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as suction can dislodge the blood clot
- Take any prescribed or recommended pain relief as directed
- Gently rinse with warm salt water after the first 24 hours
- Attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled
