Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that develop in a set of teeth, and while useful, often need to be removed due to common problems that arise with them.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a very common dental procedure across New Zealand and generally is performed in one of the following ways:
- Performed by a general dentist OR an oral surgery specialist as an out-patient service (this is referred to as “in the chair”) or;
- By a general dentist OR an oral surgeon specialist in a hospital (public or private) as a surgical procedure usually involving sedation by a general anesthetic
How you have your wisdom teeth removed depends on the complexity of your situation; the less complicated your situation, the more likely you’ll be able to have them removed “in the chair”, and the cheaper it will be.
- Having your wisdom teeth removed is classified as tooth extraction, and is therefore a form of major dental surgery
- General or local anesthesia may be used, depending on the individual case.
- The procedure can take 30 minutes to 3 hours, but dentists recommend at least 3 days off work after the procedure.
- Pain and discomfort, especially after the anesthesia has worn off, is a normal part of the process. Painkillers will help manage this.
- Recovery time after teeth extraction can take from a few days to a few weeks.
