Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to develop and are positioned at the very back of the mouth. Many wisdom teeth never cause problems and do not require treatment.
However, when there is insufficient room for a wisdom tooth to erupt normally, it can remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum or jawbone. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.
Dr Mohsin Ali has particular experience in wisdom tooth surgery. Following hospital-based surgical training, he has continued to accept referrals for advanced oral surgery; his published professional profile records that he has performed several thousand wisdom tooth extractions.
When should a wisdom tooth be removed?
Wisdom tooth removal may be considered when a tooth is causing or contributing to problems such as recurrent inflammation or infection around the gum, decay, food trapping, gum disease, damage to an adjacent tooth or certain cysts.
Importantly, not every impacted wisdom tooth needs to be removed. The potential benefits of surgery need to be considered alongside the risks of treatment.
How are impacted wisdom teeth removed?
Treatment depends on the position of the tooth, its roots and its relationship with surrounding structures.
After local anaesthetic has taken effect, the gum may be gently opened to access an impacted tooth. A small amount of surrounding bone may need to be removed and the wisdom tooth can sometimes be divided into smaller sections to facilitate removal.
The area is then cleaned and stitches may be placed.
What if my wisdom tooth is close to a nerve?
Lower wisdom-tooth roots can sometimes lie close to nerves supplying sensation to the lower lip, chin and tongue.
Where this relationship requires further assessment, three-dimensional CBCT imaging may be considered. If a tooth is particularly close to a nerve, Dr Ali will discuss the relevant risks and whether alternative approaches are appropriate in your individual case.
Recovery after wisdom tooth surgery
Swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary jaw stiffness can occur following wisdom tooth removal, particularly after a surgical extraction. Symptoms vary according to the individual and complexity of the procedure.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and information about complications to be aware of, including infection and dry socket.
