Have you ever wondered the purpose of the wisdom teeth at the back of your mouth? Other than a playful monicker, wisdom teeth emerge during your late teens or early twenties to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These dental latecomers are a sign of your adulthood!
While they might seem harmless, wisdom teeth often emerge at an awkward angle. This can lead to impaction, infection, and other dental issues in the worst-case scenario. That explains why Australia has high rates of hospitalisation due to wisdom teeth extractions.
Discover key statistics on the prevalence of wisdom teeth problems in Australia and how to manage their potential pitfalls that affect countless individuals.
Prevalence of Wisdom Teeth Problems in Australia
When do wisdom teeth become a dental dilemma? While it’s common to get wisdom teeth, some people don’t have any at all. In most cases, wisdom teeth do not pose risks when they perfectly fit and avoid pushing your existing teeth.
However, emerging wisdom teeth can be impacted or remain hidden under the gums when there’s insufficient space in the mouth. Wisdom teeth often cause most problems when overcrowded with other existing teeth.
Let’s take a closer look at this dental issue.
How Many Australians Have Wisdom Teeth Issues?
ABC Science reported 527 per 100,000 Australians were admitted to hospitals for impacted wisdom teeth removal in 2008-09. While this rate is extremely low, it is seven times higher in the UK. The bad news is that it’s likely to be complicated due to the country’s declining oral health.
How about the age groups affected by this dental issue? Young adulthood is the prime time for wisdom teeth troubles, which may appear at the early age of 17-21. Meanwhile, research shows that about 56% of female Australians aged 18-25 received third molar extractions in 2013.
However, that’s not definitive evidence suggesting that females are more likely to experience wisdom teeth problems. Both genders are equally susceptible to such dental issues, although individual variations in jaw size, teeth alignment, and oral health increase complication risks.
Trends in Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
In 2022-23, the most common dental procedure was surgical tooth removal, with around 149,000 procedures performed. While this annual removal surgery fluctuates annually, a huge chunk of these procedures may come from emergency wisdom tooth removal.
Meanwhile, about 87,400 hospitalisations for dental conditions could have been prevented with earlier treatment in 2022-23. While that’s not all for wisdom teeth problems, third-molar extraction is essential to avoid further risks with the advice of dental surgeons.
Getting wisdom teeth removed at an older age increases complications from the surgery, affecting about 5-21% of dental patients in Australia. That’s why timely extraction is crucial to avoid risks associated with problematic wisdom teeth.
Public vs. Private Removal Rates
Public dental clinics provide accessible and affordable options for wisdom teeth removal. As such, around 66,000 tooth-removal surgeries were performed for patients aged 15-24 years in 2022-23. However, longer wait lines and limited appointments are a few roadblocks in public clinics.
That explains why about 85% of patients have visited private dental practitioners in 2021. Although this incurs a hefty cost, private removal offers shorter wait times and flexible appointment scheduling. Not to mention that private removal options often provide a more personalised approach to dental treatments.
Reasons for Extraction
Experts recommend removing your wisdom teeth if they are causing problems. That’s why seeking your dentist’s advice is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of the surgery. Here are some of the common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction:
- Tooth Pain: This is a sign of emerging wisdom teeth, which you can intermittently feel for months and even years. At worst, the pain becomes intolerable, so it’s difficult to chew or talk as the teeth press the nerves in your mouth.
- Teeth Impaction: When wisdom teeth fail to erupt, they remain impacted and trapped beneath your gum line. Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, redness, and swelling in the gums around your third molars.
- Infection: A partially emerging or hidden wisdom teeth can potentially harbour bacteria, which increases the chance of tooth loss, gum disease, and oral infections.
- Shifting Teeth: As wisdom teeth result in overcrowding, other teeth shift out of place and become misaligned or crooked, negatively affecting oral functions and looks.
- Cysts and Tumours: Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risks of cysts and tumour development in the oral cavity.
Understanding these is essential for making informed decisions about removing your wisdom teeth. Seek your dentist’s advice about removing such bothersome teeth early to prevent future oral health complications.
Common Complications and Recovery Statistics
While dental surgery is generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of its complications and recovery timeline. Let’s explore these in detail.
Complications Following Surgery
Wisdom teeth extraction requires drilling the tooth in parts, cutting the gums, and removing bone. These procedures can potentially lead to complications post-surgery. One common complication is a dry socket (alveolar osteitis), often caused by a dislodged blood clot.
Research shows that the incidence of dry sockets is 2% for all tooth extractions and as high as 20% for impacted tooth surgeries. What happens if you have a dry socket? This often exposes the bones and nerves, resulting in severe pain and bad breath within three days after extraction.
The foul odour at the surgical site is also a sign of bacterial infection, often associated with redness, swelling, and pus. The good news is that seeking a highly skilled dentist or oral surgeon can prevent these surgical risks.
Average Recovery Time
The recovery time for wisdom teeth removal depends on the procedure’s complexity. Patients typically feel better three to seven days after surgery with simple extractions. Unless complications do not arise, complete healing only takes at least two weeks.
Conversely, complex surgeries may take several weeks to heal completely. That’s why it’s best recommended that you refrain from strenuous activities. On the other hand, integrating dental implants into the extracted site can take several months to integrate fully into the jawbone.
Pain Management Statistics
Opting for a reliable dental provider is key to adequate pain management. A study reveals that 74% of patients feel confident managing their post-extraction pain when their dental providers discuss it. That’s promising since managing pain is key to post-surgical recovery.
Pain tolerance varies for each patient, but there are actionable methods to relieve it. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ease patients’ pain and reduce inflammation. When these are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers.
Another key thing to remember is that self-management can help, including saltwater rinses, ice packs, or cold compresses, to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Adequate rest, hydration, and soft foods are also important for recuperation.
Costs Associated with Wisdom Teeth Removal in Australia
Wisdom teeth extraction can cost between $300 and $3,000 in Australia. The price can vary greatly depending on the procedure’s complexity. For example, simple extractions cost around $150-$200 per tooth. With local anaesthesia, this goes up by $300-$400 per tooth.
Meanwhile, complex extractions can cost about $2,000-$3,000 per tooth in hospitals. These figures are likely higher with private clinics, especially in metropolitan areas. So, can your insurance cover for these hefty extraction bills?
Medicare and other private health insurance can cover your wisdom teeth removal under certain conditions. Medicare can only cover it if you require general anaesthesia due to a complicated case. Private insurance or hospital cover can help you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
For instance, depending on the policies, extras insurance may cover 60-100% of the surgery cost. About 47% of Australians have hospital policy insurance covering the surgery’s costs. However, that implies that over half of the population doesn’t have insurance to cover these hefty treatment prices.
When Should You Consider Wisdom Teeth Removal?
When patients overlook the risks of impacted wisdom teeth, it can often lead to inflammation, infection, or dental decay in the adjacent teeth. Sometimes, these hidden teeth may cause even more problems than the visible ones.
Here are some signs to consider wisdom teeth removal:
- Persistent Tooth Pain
- Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
- Severe or Recurrent Infections
- Difficulty Chewing
- Swollen Lymph Glands
- Fever
See a dentist when you experience most of these symptoms for an evaluation. Most patients delay dental treatment until the pain worsens or develops excessive swelling. Emergency removal is necessary to prevent severe impaction or infection.
Early removal is crucial to prevent gum infection, cyst formation, or damage to surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth can also cause other teeth to be misaligned or crooked, affecting your smile’s appearance. When you have concerns about wisdom teeth, consult a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to discuss removal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are wisdom teeth problems in Australia?
2013 NDTIS data reveals that around 26% of Australian dentate patients out of 440,000 received wisdom teeth extraction. About 56% of these patients were female, and 44% were male. Wisdom teeth problems also substantially contributed to the high hospitalisations due to dental conditions nationwide.
What is the average cost of wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal costs between $300 and $3,000 per tooth. This can fluctuate depending on the treatment type, procedure complexity, location, and whether it’s done in a private or public clinic. That’s why health insurance is essential to cover these hefty extraction costs.
What are the risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?
While wisdom teeth removal is common, it poses risks such as pain, swelling, bleeding, dry socket, and limited mouth opening. Occasionally, it can result in infection and nerve damage, necessitating expert dental providers like Aesthetic Dental Clinic to prevent complications.
How long is the recovery period for wisdom teeth removal?
Healing varies from person to person, but some people get better after 2-3 days. Although some take seven days, complete wound recovery typically takes two weeks. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully ensures a swift recovery.
When should I consider removing my wisdom teeth?
Experts strongly suggest that wisdom teeth extraction is necessary only when it causes problems. Discuss the removal options with your dentist to weigh the pros and cons of the procedure. Finding a highly trusted dental provider is essential to giving you personalised dental advice.
Get Your Expert Dental Solutions With Us
Even though your wisdom teeth are not causing trouble, schedule regular dental visits every six months. You might be fortunate not even to have them. While wisdom teeth extraction offers greater benefits at minimal risks, always seek a trusted dentist for sound dental advice.
At Aesthetic Dental Clinic, we’re your expert partners in crafting personalised wisdom teeth removal. We provide comprehensive examinations and patient education so you’re adequately informed about the dental procedure. We have unrivalled skills and expertise from the simplest to most complex oral surgery, ensuring your pristine oral health and function.
Contact us at 02 4655 4438 or book an appointment to get your lasting, healthy smiles!