Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care 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 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.

Coronectomy: A Safe Alternative for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Glen Iris

The need to remove wisdom teeth usually arises because there simply isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to erupt fully. When this happens, the wisdom teeth often remain impacted, becoming trapped in the jaw and sitting very close to important nerves and arteries.

This close relationship — especially between the lower wisdom tooth roots and the inferior alveolar nerve — can complicate the extraction. If the nerve is wrapped around the tooth roots, removing the entire tooth carries a risk of nerve damage, which may result in partial or complete loss of sensation in the lower lip.

What Is a Coronectomy?

To reduce the risk of nerve injury, a conservative surgical option called a coronectomy can be performed. Instead of removing the entire wisdom tooth, only the crown (top portion) is taken out, while the roots remain safely in the jaw.

Although it may sound like an incomplete treatment, research has shown that coronectomy can significantly lower the risk of postoperative complications in cases where the nerve is involved. Studies comparing full extraction to coronectomy under difficult conditions found that patients who underwent coronectomy experienced fewer complications and better protection of nerve function.

Wisdom Tooth Care in Glen Iris

If you are experiencing discomfort or have been advised to remove your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to discuss all available options — especially if your roots are close to the nerves.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman,👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 to make an appointment and learn more about the safest approach for your wisdom teeth. 📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Signs, Symptoms and When to Seek Help in Glen Iris

When your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, discomfort is common — but the situation can become significantly more painful if your wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth try to break through the gum but cannot fully erupt due to lack of space in the jaw. While some people feel no immediate symptoms, others suddenly experience jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty opening their mouth.

Common Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

1. Jaw Pain
Pain at the back of the jaw is one of the most consistent signs of impacted wisdom teeth. The discomfort may concentrate around the gums or be noticeable when swallowing.

2. Changes in the Mouth
Red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, or a swollen jaw may indicate an impacted wisdom tooth. These changes often occur when the tooth becomes inflamed or infected.

3. Headaches
Unexpected headaches, particularly when paired with jaw discomfort or gum swelling, may be caused by pressure from impacted wisdom teeth.

4. Chewing Difficulties
If your mouth no longer opens or closes comfortably or chewing movements feel restricted, the position of the wisdom teeth may be interfering with normal jaw function.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have a dental x-ray to determine the exact position of the wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth will not resolve naturally, and delaying treatment can lead to:

  • infections

  • cyst formation

  • nerve irritation

  • damage to adjacent teeth

  • gum disease

If removal is necessary, early treatment usually results in fewer complications and a smoother recovery.

For personalized diagnosis and treatment planning, please contact Dr Daniel Kaufman 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 . We will examine your wisdom teeth, explain their position clearly and help determine the most comfortable and effective solution for you.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.