Know your wisdom teeth a little better

How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?

If you have 32 teeth, you definitely have wisdom teeth. These are generally the very back teeth on the top and bottom, left and right.

Sometimes, the wisdom teeth do not erupt, staying in the jawbone where you cannot see them. Your dentist can take x-rays to determine if you have wisdom teeth if they are not visible. Typically, wisdom teeth appear around the age of 18.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

No, not everyone has wisdom teeth. In fact, studies show that nearly 35% of people are missing wisdom teeth.

Will my wisdom teeth grow back after extraction?

No, although, some people have more than four wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth removal

Why and when do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth can cause pain and trouble meaning often the wise thing to do is extract them. They’re typically removed when they are stuck or impacted, causing pain and/or affecting other teeth.

If you’re experiencing these wisdom teeth symptoms, you should visit your dentist. They may suggest removing them as a preventative measure if your mouth is too small to make way for them later.

Is removal of wisdom teeth very painful?

Dentistry has advanced greatly and thanks to local anaesthetic, improved technique and post-surgery pain management, pain is very manageable. Don’t expect a pain free procedure though - some wisdom teeth may be easier and less painful to extract than others, however this is totally dependent on how badly your wisdom teeth are impacted.

Will I be awake during my wisdom teeth removal surgery?

It depends. It’s common to be awake during your wisdom teeth extraction surgery, relying on local anaesthetic, injected near the extraction site to numb the gums. Although you will feel some pressure and movement, it’s unlikely you will experience pain during the procedure. Sometimes sedation is recommended to suppress your consciousness during the surgery. In special circumstances general anaesthesia may be used.

Wisdom teeth extraction - the cost

How much does wisdom tooth extraction cost?

The cost of extracting wisdom teeth can vary greatly, depending on your chosen practitioner as well as the complication (or lack of) of your condition. Costs can vary between $200-$550 per tooth.

Does dental private health insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, dental treatments such as wisdom teeth extractions can may be covered in your private health insurance. This will depend on the type of health insurance cover you have. Dental treatments performed by a registered dental practitioner or oral surgeon are covered under nib’s Everyday Cover. Policy terms, and conditions and waiting periods will apply.

Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction

How long do I have to be on a soft foods diet after wisdom teeth removal?

Typically, your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend only eating soft foods such as yoghurt, apple sauce or ice cream for the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

On the third day you can usually start eating semi-solid foods such as eggs, oats etc. Gradually increase intake of soft foods until it doesn’t cause pain. Many people resume normal eating within a week.

How long does it take to completely recover from wisdom teeth extraction?

Wisdom teeth recovery can depend on how difficult your extraction surgery was. In most cases it can take up to two weeks for someone to recover be comfortable and pain free from their wisdom teeth removal surgery. If the wound becomes infected, recovery can take longer. Complete recovery of the wound can take months.

Can I expedite recovery from wisdom teeth surgery?

There is no formula to quicker recovery; however, if you follow the instructions from your surgeon on post-op care, your recovery shouldn’t be long. Some tips to aid a painless and quick healing are:

• Take time off work or study to recover. Rest for the first 24 hours.

• Use an icepack to control swelling.

• Always keep your mouth fresh by drinking a lot of water. This could help prevent bacteria around the wound area.

• Avoid extremely hot or spicy food as it can burn the site of the surgery.

• Don’t eat grains or hard foods that can get stuck in the cavity of where your wisdom tooth was.

• Don’t drink from a straw or slurp too vigorously as that can dislodge the blood clot or ruin the stitches.

Pain management

How can you manage wisdom teeth related pain before surgery?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain due to infection and swollen gums, commonly causing pain in your ear and head too. Here are some remedies to relieve the pain before your surgery:

• Rinse with warm salt water to help keep your mouth clear of harmful bacteria.

• Take pain relievers such as Panadol as per their recommended dosage.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce inflammation.

• Alternate between applying heat and cold packs to your jaw. Give a 15 minute break between the two applications and always finish with a cold pack.

With the right care and cover, managing wisdom teeth removal can be a straightforward process. Ensure you’re covered for dental treatments and get a quote for nib’s Everyday Cover today.