Specialist Gum Recessions Corrections
July 30, 2024Specialist Management of Periodontal Diseases
July 31, 2024
Specialist Impacted Teeth & Wisdom Teeth Removal
All individuals should have a total of 12 permanent molars, 4 of them being the 3rd molars or more commonly known as wisdom teeth. These teeth are sometimes completely or partially absent in some individuals. In individuals where these teeth are present, a large number are not erupted in an ideal manner (impacted) and pose great risks to the surrounding teeth and jaw of the individual. Common symptoms arising from this are pain, swelling, difficulty in mouth opening, difficulty in swallowing, bad taste and cheek biting. When symptomatic or as a precaution, it is advisable that these wisdom teeth are removed. This involves a surgical procedure (when tooth has not erupted in an ideal manner) or an extraction (when tooth has erupted in an ideal manner) which can be done by our specialists either under local anaesthesia (LA) in the clinic or general anaesthesia (GA) in the hospital.
Similarly, there are some individuals with other teeth (not the wisdom teeth, sometimes extra teeth) which are not erupted properly or embedded who will require the similar treatment when they are impeding health or function or even orthodontic (braces movement).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit for a specialist surgical removal consultation?
Our specialist periodontist or oral & maxillofacial surgeon will first get to know you and understand your concerns and expectations. He will then perform a detailed assessment and examination. He will need to take focused and current xray(s) to better plan. He will then discuss with you about the techniques of proposed treatments and costs. You are able to ask him the doubts and questions you might have. We spend over an hour on these visits.
Is the treatment painful?
We place good topical anaesthetic gel before giving the local anaesthesia and are consciously gentle throughout. There will still be a small “pinch” while local anaesthesia is placed but once the anaesthesia has started working, the procedures should be relatively pain-free. The experience differs from person to person but our specialists and dentists will advise you prior and are conscious of any changes or cues you give during the procedure. Post-operatively, you might experience a down-time (pain and swelling) for 3-5 days. Pain is usually well controlled with the painkillers and anti-inflammatories we prescribe after.
Can I be asleep during treatment?
Most patients are comfortable enough to undergo the procedure under local anaesthesia (LA) - still awake (although some do sleep off during the procedure). However, if you are very anxious, have heightened gag reflex, have an impaction which is very complex or have any other personal reasons, we can discuss the option of having the procedure done when you are unconscious - under general anaesthesia (GA) in a hospital setting with our specialist. Many patients have chosen this option and feel that it makes the experience more stress-free.
What post-operative care is needed?
The first 24 hours involve care to prevent over-bleeding. We advise that you avoid hot food and drinks, rigorous rinsing and gargling, straws and sucking actions for the first 24 hours to prevent over-bleeding or reactivation of bleeding. You will need to be on a soft diet, avoid strenuous exercises for the next 3-7 days. We also recommend that you complete the dose of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (when necessary) and antiseptics which we prescribe. You will need to resist the urge of touching the surgical site with your tongue, finger or any other objects during the healing period.
Please contact us for an appointment for a more detailed and comprehensive consultation in relation to your condition.
