Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The softer diet of modern humans has caused our jaws to be smaller than our ancestors.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth in the mouth to come through, usually around the age of 17-25. By then we normally have 28 other teeth in the mouth so there isn’t always room for the wisdom teeth to come through completely.

With this lack of space, wisdom teeth can sometimes come through at an angle and may get stuck behind the tooth in front of it, only partly emerging through the gum. This is called an “impacted” wisdom tooth.=

Impacted wisdom teeth result in a flap of gum covering part of the wisdom tooth. It collects food and bacteria and is difficult to clean properly. The gum flap commonly becomes swollen and sore, sometimes causing the whole jaw to ache. This is known as “pericoronitis”.

Impacted wisdom teeth are also prone to decay. Any decay may also infect the tooth in front of them. In the worst cases, this can result in loss of the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth.

At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane we have experienced dentists who have undertaken extensive extra training to remove wisdom teeth. We also have the services of a Maxillofacial Surgeon for more complex cases where the surgery or the patient’s preference may require intravenous sedation (twilight sedation) or general anaesthetic (asleep).

For Wisdom Teeth Removal services please contact any of our friendly Sunshine Coast and Brisbane dental practices in Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, North Lakes, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin, Murrumba Downs, Beerwah and Woolloongabba book on-line now, or feel free to call or email our wonderful reception teams.