Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Are wisdom teeth important in Glen Iris?

Wisdom Teeth: Understanding Their Role and When to Remove Them

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to come through properly. As a result, the wisdom teeth may only partially erupt or remain trapped beneath the gums, known as impaction. These are common reasons why many wisdom teeth require removal.

However, not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. When they grow in the correct position, they can play a useful role in the mouth. Properly aligned wisdom teeth help in chewing and grinding food and provide additional structural support to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

In some cases, wisdom teeth can even replace missing or damaged molars. For example, if a molar has been lost and space is available, orthodontic treatment can sometimes be used to shift other teeth, allowing the wisdom tooth to move into that position naturally.

Before deciding to remove any wisdom tooth, it is important to have a thorough examination to determine whether it can serve a useful function, replace a missing tooth, or support jaw alignment.

If you are experiencing discomfort or would like your wisdom teeth assessed, please click here to contact us and book an appointment with Dr. Kaufman. We will examine your wisdom teeth and discuss the best approach to improve both the appearance and function of your mouth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Care in Glen Iris

What Are Wisdom Teeth? Do We Need to Remove Them?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars located at the very back of the mouth. While the first molars usually erupt after age 6, wisdom teeth, the third molars, typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. The wisdom teeth, which begin developing around the age of 6-7 and can be seen on an x-ray early on.

Since wisdom teeth erupt after all other teeth, they often face limited space to emerge, leading to what’s called impaction. This is largely due to evolutionary changes. Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth were necessary for chewing coarse foods that wore down earlier teeth. Today’s softer diet means they are often unnecessary and classified as vestigial organs. Additionally, modern jaw sizes have decreased, sometimes causing wisdom teeth to grow at angles that push against neighboring teeth or gum tissue, sometimes causing pain or infections.

When a wisdom tooth pushes against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, it results in impaction, which can cause pain, damage, or other dental issues. To prevent complications, impacted wisdom teeth that cause symptoms are typically removed.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

It is crucial to evaluate the development and position of wisdom teeth around age 15-16 to determine if they will cause problems and to plan treatment timing. Early assessments prevent discomfort and avoid future complications. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth might not cause immediate issues but are at higher risk for decay and gum disease. That’s why Dr. Kaufman may recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth even when symptom-free. This evaluation is included as part of our comprehensive dental exam.

Expertise and Advanced Techniques at Tooronga Family Dentistry

With extensive experience in wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Kaufman offers extractions using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia. To ensure precision and comfort, we utilize the latest ultrasonic surgical system, which is more efficient and less invasive than traditional drills.

For personalized advice or to discuss wisdom teeth concerns, please contact Dr. Kaufman or call Tooronga Family Dentistry.

Tooth Extraction: When and Why It’s Needed & What Modern Dentistry Offers in Glen Iris

No one looks forward to having a tooth pulled. However, statistics reveal that many Australians lose teeth every day. Unlike baby teeth (which are naturally replaced), once adult teeth are lost, there are no natural replacements. Sometimes, tooth removal is necessary for proper oral health and function.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction:

  • Severe Tooth Damage:
    When a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to progressive decay or trauma, it may not be able to withstand chewing forces. In these cases, extraction prevents pain, infection, and further damage to neighboring teeth and bone.

  • Making Space for Proper Alignment:
    Sometimes the mouth is too small to fit all teeth comfortably. To address overcrowding and help straighten teeth, one or more teeth might need to be removed. This is sometimes necessary for wisdom teeth or extra (supernumerary) teeth as well.

  • Preventing the Spread of Gum Disease:
    Advanced gum disease leads to bone loss, causing teeth to loosen. When these cannot be treated, removal is essential to stop the infection from affecting other teeth or entering the bloodstream.

  • Cancer Therapy (Chemotherapy or Radiation):
    These treatments lower the body’s immune defense and slow healing. Even mildly infected teeth can pose risks during therapy, so they may need extraction to prevent major infections.

  • Organ Transplant Patients:
    Immune-suppressing medications (to prevent organ rejection) raise infection risk. Infected or potentially problematic teeth are often removed to prevent future health complications while on strong medications.

  • Teeth Blocking Others:
    Misaligned teeth may stop other teeth from erupting normally. In such cases, extraction might be necessary to allow for healthy eruption and alignment.

Modern, Comfortable Tooth Extraction Techniques

Thanks to advances in dental technology, tooth extraction is now gentler and less intimidating than ever. When removal is necessary, Dr. Kaufman uses microsurgical techniques—magnification, focused lighting, small instruments, and Piezosurgery technology—which minimize trauma and promote faster healing. These state-of-the-art methods offer better comfort during and after the procedure.

If you’re concerned about a tooth that may need removal or want to learn more about the process, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation.

Wisdom Teeth Facts: Glen Iris Dental Guide to What You Need to Know

There are plenty of myths and urban legends about wisdom teeth. If you’re in Glen Iris and wondering whether you have them, what their purpose is, and if removal is required, here are the facts:

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are just like any other tooth—the third molars, located at the very back of your mouth. They usually begin to erupt around age 18, but can appear later. Most people grow all four, but some only develop two or three. The presence and position are best checked with a large dental x-ray (OPG) typically around ages 15–17.

Why Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Since they come in later than other teeth, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can lead to:

  • Tilting or becoming impacted (stuck below the gum)

  • Crowding existing teeth

  • Damage to nearby teeth

  • Trapping food and bacteria, increasing the risk of decay

Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can result in tooth decay, swelling, tenderness, and bad breath. Extraction is often the safest solution for these issues.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Ideally, removal should be planned early—before problems develop. Extracting wisdom teeth at a younger age is generally easier, as roots are not fully formed and bone is less dense.

If you live in Glen Iris and want to find out more about your wisdom teeth, contact our dental team for a thorough check. The first step will be an x-ray; then Dr. Kaufman can suggest the best approach for your oral health.