Back To Blog

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What You Need To Know

02 June 2020
Reviewed by Dr.Anna Beattie
Dr.Anna Beattie Profile Image

Table of Contents

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about having your wisdom teeth extracted!

Wisdom teeth are an extra third set of molars that often appear during late adolescence and adulthood. 

The mouth often doesn’t have enough space for wisdom teeth and they end up causing pain, or structural damage to other teeth in the mouth.

They can also increase the risk of decay. If this is the case, your wisdom may need to be extracted.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

dental surgery

When wisdom teeth start to break through the gum, there generally isn’t enough room for them to fit.

Other problems occur when they come through at an angle or fail to develop correctly which may cause significant issues for the rest of your teeth.

This is especially the case for the second molars at the very back of the jaw because of the extra pressure and the fight for the limited space that’s available.

As mentioned, decay is another major problem. When new wisdom teeth knock the others off balance, it creates small spaces and slightly misaligns the jaw.

This, in turn, alters biting and chewing. Food and other debris can get trapped inside cavities, significantly increasing the risk of decay and further dental problems later on in life.

That said; your dentist might recommend that you get all of your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

Before we take look at the procedure, be aware that some people can be very lucky and not have wisdom teeth. It's also important to note that those unfortunate enough to have wisdom teeth may not need to have them removed.

However, if the dentist says the procedure is necessary, you should follow their advice.

Before The Extraction Process

before the tooth extraction process

Before the wisdom tooth extraction procedure begins, you may have visited your dental clinic complaining of a sore mouth and gums. After conducting an oral exam or routine dental checkup, the dentist may take an x-ray to get a better view of your teeth and find out what way they are growing up through the gums.

Once it has been established that you will need to get these teeth removed, the next step involves discussing the procedure with the dentist. Topics of conversation here usually revolve around the use of an anaesthetic, your current medication (if any) and an explanation of what the procedure entails.

During The Extraction Process

teeth extraction and dental surgery

The dreaded D-Day has finally arrived, now what happens? First off, you will be given an anaesthetic - either a local or you will have the option of IV sedation.

Which option you get will depend on the complexity of the removal process and on the number of wisdom teeth you need removed. Some people may have to get all four out which is better done under IV sedation.

During the procedure, your dentist will:

  • Cut an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone
  • Remove any bone that blocks access to the tooth root
  • Split the tooth into sections (it may be easier to remove the tooth in pieces)
  • Extract the tooth
  • Thoroughly clean the area
  • Stitch the wound closed to allow for healing (this isn't always essential)
  • Place gauze over the exposed area to control bleeding

Before you go into the surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare for later.

Get someone to drive you home from your appointment and know that procedures can take anywhere from 45 minutes up to more than two hours.

After The Extraction Process

Your healing time will largely depend on what kind of anaesthetic you received. If it was a local anaesthetic, it will be a lot less than if you were given IV sedation.

You will experience some bleeding, bruising and swelling in the first few days after surgery so be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations closely when it comes to pain management, smoking, cleaning, eating and drinking.

We have full extraction aftercare instructions on our tooth extraction aftercare instructions page.

Conclusion

If you're getting your wisdom tooth removed soon and wish to know more about the process, check out our Tooth Extractions page and get in touch today.

Recent Reviews

Owen

“Never bothered by having to go to the dentist again. I had to get whitening, bonding and a crown done over the space of a year and it was a great experience. The team are A1 and Fergal is a great...”

Keith O'Brien

“I would highly recommend 3Dental. This time last year I was in constant pain with infections and my teeth were in a bad way. I came across 3Dental while searching for dental implants. I had...”

Eileen Dempsey

“I have just had my Implant, from Doctor Peter Doherty, and have to say i was treated so well from start to finish, and the end result is amazing. I am so very happy with my new smile, i will attend...”

Viv van der Holst

“Firstly apologies for the delay in writing this review. I have been too busy smiling again :) And chewing food normally. I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel towards Dr Andoni Jones and his...”

Sean Dentur

“I got 6 implants over past 2 years in 3Dental. Very efficient/professional and kind staff. Would highly recommend them.”

Whitney Culleton

“I had an consultation for composite bonding with a female dentist back in December and I left not feeling great about the app so rather than leaving a bad review I reached out to Dr Niall for a...”

Tara Henshaw

“I had composite bonding done with Dr Carmen and gingivectomy with Dr Andoni Jones , they were both brilliant. Thanks so much to them both they were so friendly and so good at their job I'm delighted...”

Caitlin Morrison

“I've been going to 3Dental the last year with Dr Carmen. She's amazing so nice and her work is great Got my composite bonding with her defo recommend always give advice and always there if needs be...”

Jane Russell

“Such a brilliant clinic with fantastic service. Had to have a couple of things done with fillings and bonding so I saw a number of dentists, all of whom were total pros and expert at what they do. A...”

Caroline O'Brien

“I have had lots of treatment and also my 2 daughters here in 3Dental which included root canal wisdom tooth extraction crowns and now implants and All on the same premises. All staff we have met have...”

Zoe Bates

“I had 8 edge composite bondings on the top done and I'm super happy with my results. After braces my teeth were straight but all different sizes/shapes on the edge so bonding was the perfect...”

Abby Garcia

“Excellent place and fantastic job. I'm so happy with my veneers. I've wanted normal teeth for over 30 years and I'm so so happy with the results achieved by Dr Daniel Kim. Such a nice guy and really...”

Laura O'Brien

“Would highly recommend 3Dental to anyone. I have been getting a lot of cosmetic work done between, dental implants, crowns and veneers and through every stage they have walked me through what would...”

Michelle Walsh

“Got my smile back thanks to Paul and Andoni! Started my treatment this time last year and wish I had done it sooner! Paul is such a perfectionist and really listens to you (I was a nervous patient)...”

Nicola Myler

“An accident happened the weekend with my front tooth veneer I am from Waterford and couldn't get an appointment down here for another 2 weeks so I was so upset and my sister told me to ring 3Dental...”

Helen Redmond

“Amazing experience with 3Dental. Got Invisalign which didn't move one tooth. Needed to get fixed braces but it was seamless. Also had my braces during Covid pandemic. Although I could go to the...”

Emma Keating

“I had composite bonding done here by Dr Carmen. She was very patient and made sure I was completely happy with the final result before I left, she even offered to fix anything I was unhappy with...”

Lyle Andre

“Outstanding service from start to finish, I recently had my braces removed after 2 years with 3Dental and I have never been happier with my results. The lovely Katrina was my very competent dentist...”

The Scarlet Gamer

“I am so happy with the professional service I receive anytime I go to 3Dental. The new office is spacious & well designed. The staff are friendly & efficient. I love how they offer everything under...”

Lorraine Fleming

“I am in the process of having a front bridge to replace a bad front tooth, I am overwhelmed with the difference already, I'm actually smiling again and my confidence has already improved. Niall and...”

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Book A Consultation View Pricing Options