Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Penrith
What Age Do You Get Wisdom Teeth?
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 wisdom teeth’.
Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Our Penrith dentist will be able to assess whether there is sufficient room for the teeth to come through by taking an X-ray, which will show the position of the root.
- The teeth are not able to fully erupt through the gum and are causing an infection in the surrounding tissue; this is 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.
After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Following wisdom tooth extraction, there is likely to be some discomfort. However, this will vary depending on how difficult it was to remove the tooth. It is not uncommon to experience some swelling for a few days. Our dentist will advise on how best to reduce this discomfort and may recommend pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. A further dental appointment will be necessary for our dentist to check the healing process and remove any stitches.
Get in Touch
If you or a family member need wisdom teeth removal, contact our experienced dental team at Smith Street Dental in Penrith today. We’ll evaluate your situation and provide the appropriate treatment or referral to an oral surgeon.
