A wisdom tooth or third molar is one of the three molars in human teeth which usually start to come through at the back of our gums at each corner of jaw in late teens and early twenties.
By this time, the other 28 adult teeth are usually in place, so there isn’t always enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow properly so they may become impacted and require removal.
An impacted wisdom tooth happens when there isn’t enough space for it to break through the gum properly. It can become twisted, tilted, or trapped in the jaw.
There are three types of impaction:
Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria. This build-up leads to serious dental problems, including:
Book a dental appointment if you notice:
Early action prevents bigger problems. Don’t delay if you spot these symptoms.
First, your dentist will examine your mouth and take an X-ray. This shows the exact position of your wisdom teeth and helps plan the extraction.
The method of removal depends on the type of impaction. For more complex cases, we may refer you to a specialist surgeon.
If your extraction is performed at Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic, we use a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area. You’ll only feel pressure, not pain.
Simple extractions may take a few minutes. More complicated ones can take 20 minutes or longer.
We now offer an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service for complex wisdom tooth extractions. Dental colleagues and patients can both refer cases directly to us.
We aim to see failed extraction cases within 7 days of receiving a referral.
All our dentists are trained in wisdom tooth extractions. For complex cases, our oral surgeon, Dr. Vivek Giddani, handles referrals with expert care.
If you’re experiencing pain or problems with your wisdom teeth, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Trust our skilled team to provide fast, effective care for wisdom tooth extractions in Tavistock and beyond.
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