Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to emerge and are located at the back of the mouth. Because they often appear in adulthood, there may be limited space in the jaw for them to come through comfortably. As a result, wisdom teeth may not fully erupt or may grow at an angle.

In some cases, wisdom teeth may not play an essential role in everyday oral function and can be difficult to keep clean. When they contribute to discomfort or increase the risk of future dental concerns, wisdom tooth removal in Canberra, also known as an odontectomy, may be recommended following a thorough assessment.

At Civic Gentle Dental Care, our dentists take a careful and gentle approach, ensuring any recommendation for treatment is based on your individual oral health needs and discussed clearly with you before proceeding.

• Preventive Care

At Civic Gentle Dental Care, we focus on supporting long-term oral health through preventive care. Wisdom teeth are positioned at the back of the mouth and can be more difficult to clean effectively. In some cases, this may increase the risk of tooth decay or gum concerns. Following assessment, removal may be discussed to help reduce the likelihood of future dental issues.

• Severe Pain

Some patients experience discomfort related to wisdom teeth, particularly if a tooth is pushing against neighbouring teeth or partially erupting. This may lead to soreness during chewing or general sensitivity in the area.

• Gum Infection and Inflammation of Soft Tissue

When food debris becomes trapped around a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth, the surrounding gum tissue may become irritated or inflamed. This can sometimes lead to recurring discomfort or infection if not addressed.

• Jaw Strain and Difficulty in Opening the Mouth

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to tension in the jaw, which can make opening the mouth uncomfortable for some patients. This may be noticed during eating, speaking, or yawning.

• Presence of Cysts Associated with an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

In some situations, changes such as cyst formation may occur around an impacted wisdom tooth. While not common, these changes can affect the surrounding bone and are monitored carefully during dental examinations.

Before wisdom teeth removal in Canberra, a thorough consultation and assessment are carried out to ensure the most appropriate care for your individual needs. Dental X-rays may be taken to help your dentist understand the position and angulation of the wisdom teeth, as well as any factors that may influence treatment planning.

Your dentist will also review your medical history and discuss any relevant health considerations to ensure your care is planned safely and thoughtfully. Where appropriate, medications may be recommended to help manage comfort during and after the procedure.

At Civic Gentle Dental Care, we take a personalised approach to wisdom tooth removal, explaining each step clearly and ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and supported before treatment begins.

Your comfort is an important part of the procedure. Before treatment begins, our team takes the time to help you feel relaxed and supported. Local anaesthetic is then carefully administered to numb the area, helping minimise discomfort during the procedure.

Once the area is numb, your dentist will gently remove the wisdom tooth using the information gathered from your X-rays to guide the process. This careful planning allows the dentist to work efficiently while prioritising safety and precision.

After the tooth is removed, the area is gently cleaned to support gum closure and encourage natural healing. Throughout the procedure, our team remains attentive to your comfort and wellbeing.

What you do after an odontectomy can play an important role in supporting your recovery. Our dentists will take the time to explain how to care for the area following treatment and provide personalised advice to help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Below is a general after-care guide for wisdom tooth removal. Your dentist may adjust this advice based on your individual needs.

1. Pressure and Medications: After the procedure, you may be asked to gently bite on a gauze pad to help control bleeding. This should remain in place unless it becomes very saturated. Pain relief or other medications may be recommended where appropriate, and your dentist will provide clear instructions on their use.

2. Bleeding and Jaw Stiffness: Some light bleeding or oozing can be expected. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw may help reduce swelling and ease stiffness. Gentle rest of the jaw is encouraged.

3. Dietary Choices: While the area is healing, soft and cool foods are usually more comfortable. As healing progresses, you can gradually return to firmer foods, following your dentist’s guidance.

4. Other Habits: Using straws, sucking motions, or activities that may disturb the healing area are best avoided. A natural blood clot forms to assist healing, and protecting this area is important during the early stages of recovery.

5. Oral Hygiene: Continue your regular oral hygiene routine, taking care to avoid brushing directly over the extraction site. Gentle rinsing and avoiding forceful spitting can help protect the healing area.

6. Rest and Recovery: Allow yourself time to rest following the procedure. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days, as increased physical effort may lead to discomfort or bleeding.

If you have any concerns during your recovery, our team at Civic Gentle Dental Care is always here to provide advice and support.