Wisdom Teeth
Everything you need to know about wisdom teeth
Generally, most adults will develop their third set of molars between ages 17 and 25.
These teeth are most commonly known as wisdom teeth.
They are named ‘wisdom teeth’ because they are the last teeth to emerge and come during early adulthood when you are presumably ‘wiser.’
Why do we get wisdom teeth?
Located at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are molars and useful for chewing and grinding food.
However, some people do not ever get wisdom teeth, and many believe we no longer need wisdom teeth since our diet has evolved so that intense cutting of meat and hard vegetables is no longer necessary due to cooking and cutlery.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Molars cause the most amount of issues out of all the teeth types.
Wisdom teeth may be removed when there is not enough space in the mouth and the tooth is inhibited from growing out of the gum as it should.
Additionally, wisdom teeth should be removed if there are signs of:
- Infection/cavities
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Bone loss around roots
- Limited space for brushing and flossing around the tooth
Furthermore, dentists may recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed as a preventive measure, to avoid future problems such as:
- Cysts
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Threat of bacteria and plaque build-up if the tooth is only partly developed
Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether or not it is best for you to have your teeth removed since it is not a good idea to have healthy teeth extracted for no reason.
Wisdom teeth fear and anxiety
Many people suffer from dental anxiety, due to fear of potential pain or general discomfort with the idea of having dental tools in your mouth.
Often, a common cause of dental pain is erupting wisdom teeth.
The removal of the teeth will of course target this pain, but if you are afraid of the dentist it can make the task of having your wisdom teeth removed seem daunting.
At The Perfect Smile, we strive to create a comfortable, inviting and relaxing environment so that your treatment is as anxiety-free as possible.
Risk of infection
It is not uncommon to suffer from pericoronitis if your wisdom teeth have not been removed.
Pericoronitis means inflammation of the tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth.
The condition most often occurs in molars that are partially impacted, or not fully visible, and is more common in lower molars than in the upper ones.
The prevalence of pericoronitis is reported to be 81% in the 20–29 year age group. – BJGP
Tooth Extraction
If you do decide to have your wisdom tooth (or teeth) removed, the method of extraction will be dependent on your own mouth and how far the tooth has grown out of the gum already.
The extraction will continue just as any normal tooth extraction – where the dentist loosens the tooth with a tool known as an elevator, the pulls it using pliers-resembling tools called dental forceps.
They will then clean the area and use a gauze to stop additional bleeding.
Post-surgery, you may feel swollen and slight pain for a few days.
Caring for your mouth post-extraction will be explained fully by the dentist but it is recommended you gargle warm salt-water several times a day for the first few days after your tooth has been removed.
If your tooth is below the gum line, you may require a more invasive procedure such as a surgical extraction.
This is often still performed by the dentist, but if it cannot be offered in practice your dentist will recommend an alternative provider.
So, what next?
Your dentist should let you know when you need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
However, if you feel pain or swelling in the back of your mouth then you may want to check things out.
At The Perfect Smile we have a team of experienced, skilled and professional dentists ready to treat any dental urgency you have.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for our patients.
Call 01992 552115 or book online to visit one of our London or Hertfordshire-based practices.
Simple Dental Finance Plans
- We can help establish monthly payment plans.
- We provide 0% finance for up to 24 month term plans. Many patients find our payment plan option very useful.
- Terms over 24 months will be low-interest bearing.
- If you would like to consider this option we will need to carry out a few credit checks.
- We can discuss payment plans at both the Hertfordshire & the London clinic
At The Perfect Smile, we understand that patients may be naturally nervous when thinking of undergoing dental implant surgery.
We would like to reassure you that the dental implant treatment is not painful at all due to proper use of local anesthetics to deeply numb the bone and gum.
We can also use sedation techniques that also contribute to no pain or discomfort. More.
Single Dental Implant Timeline
- Step 1: We will start the process with a highly detailed and thorough comprehensive examination and assessment. We will then construct a customised treatment plan and design your implant treatment.
- Step 2: Your new implant(s) will be surgically placed in your mouth.
- Step 3: On this review appointment we will assess your healing and make sure everything is going as planned.
- Step 4: Records and impression will be taken to construct the top part (post and crown) of the implant.
- Step 5: The final part of the implant (post and crown) will be fitted.
- Step 6: This appointment gives you the opportunity to have any further refining cosmetic enhancements or minor adjustments.
Insufficient Bone
- When a tooth is removed from the mouth, the surrounding bone that holds the tooth in place will diminish in height and width and volume. This may have an effect on the immediate and final appearance of the gum tissue in this area and possibly the surrounding teeth as well.
- The larger the width of bone or the height of the bone, the wider and longer implant can be. A wider and longer implant increases implant stability and thus success. We asses the bone height and width by taking digital radiographs or by taking a CT Scan. More.
Competitive Costs
The price of a dental implant can depend if any further treatments are needed to make sure your implant is a success.
Our inclusive single dental implant treatment costs £2995 and includes the abutment and crown. More.
Will dental implants last a lifetime?
Once the implant has fused with your jawbone and tissues, the artificial titanium implant acts as an ordinary root. The longevity of your implant depends on how you improve and maintain your oral health. Read more.
Does a dental implant hurt?
When we place the implant, we make sure the procedure is pain-free. We offer a range of sedation and techniques suitable for nervous patients. You can find out more here.
How old do I have to be for a dental implant?
There isn’t an age limit for dental implants. However, it’s typically recommended that dental implants aren’t placed for under 18 years old. Read on.
Is a dental implant treatment safe?
We also use extensive planning systems to make sure the implant treatment is a success. Find out more.
Are dental implants worth it?
A dental implant offers a wealth of oral health benefits. Not only can an implant improve your smile, but it can also realign neighbouring teeth, protect your mouth from gum disease etc. Read the benefits.
Before and After photos
Dental Implant
Oral health benefits
When we implant a titanium implant into the jawbone, it becomes part of your oral foundation.
This offers a number of health benefits that include preventing any bone loss whilst supporting the jawbone structure and reduces the risk of gum disease. More.
Successful Dental Implants can last a lifetime
“If treated correctly, dental implants can last from ten to twenty five years or more.”
Once the implant has fused with your jawbone and tissues, the artificial titanium implant acts as an ordinary root. The longevity of your implant depends on how you improve and maintain your oral health. Read more.
Fast Process
- Minimal Appointments. Unlike traditional dental implant surgery, you will need fewer appointments
- No Lengthy Treatment Time. The healing time is fast and effective, though individual to each person.
Competitive Costs
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? The price of a dental implant can depend if any further treatments are needed to make sure your implant is a success.
Our inclusive single dental implant treatment costs £2995 and includes the abutment and crown. More.
Minimal pain
Is the process painful? You can expect to feel some pain when having a new implant, however with modern anesthetics the discomfort is kept to a minimum. Post process there can be some swelling and aching for 5 -10 days.
Many patients have multiple implants in a single day without undue pain or distress. More.
Natural-looking
Will my implants match the colour of my existing teeth? Implants are colour matched and then shaped to blend in with your existing teeth. To the naked eye an implant is very hard to spot.
Highly experienced team
Unparalled level of patient trust: Dr Rahul Doshi is the founder of the Perfect Smile and is the current President of the BACD.
With over 25 years of dental implant experience, Dr Rahul Doshi proudly leads a highly-skilful team that has access to the latest dental technology.
- 150+ years of combined experience
- Est in 1994
- CQC registered
- Faster appointment times
- All staff are GDC registered
- Recommend excellent by Trustpilot
