Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect Before, During, and After Extraction

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 25. Most people have four, but not everyone develops them. When these teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they can become impacted, causing pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but your dentist may recommend extraction if you have:

• Impacted wisdom teeth (stuck under the gums or bone)

• Pain or swelling in the back of your jaw

• Infection or cyst formation

• Damage to nearby teeth

• Tooth crowding after orthodontic treatment

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Removal

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Swollen or bleeding gums

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Headaches or earaches

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure: Step by Step

1. Consultation and X-rays: Your dentist or oral surgeon will assess the position of your wisdom teeth.

2. Sedation options: You may be offered local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia for a pain-free experience.

3. Extraction: The dentist makes a small incision (if necessary), removes the tooth, and stitches the area.

4. Recovery begins: You'll rest while your sedation wears off and receive post-op care instructions.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people recover in 3–5 days. Here’s what to expect:

• Day 1–2: Swelling and mild bleeding are common.

• Day 3–4: Discomfort starts to ease.

• Day 5–7: You can return to most normal activities.

Quick recovery tips:

• Use an ice pack for swelling

• Eat soft foods (e.g., yogurt, mashed potatoes)

• Avoid straws, smoking, or spitting

• Take prescribed medication as directed

What If My Wisdom Teeth Aren’t Causing Problems?

Even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt now, they can cause future issues like crowding, decay, or gum disease. That’s why preventive wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended before complications arise.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hurlstone Park

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we offer gentle, expert wisdom tooth extractions in a calm, comfortable setting. Whether you’re experiencing pain or need an evaluation, our team is here to help.

Book Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today

Don’t wait for pain to strike. Early removal of wisdom teeth can prevent future complications and preserve your smile.

📞 Call us at (02) 9558 8988
📍 Visit us at 570 New Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park, NSW, 2193
🌐 Book online at https://painfreedentistsydney.com.au/

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry? A Calm, Comfortable Path to Pain-Free Dental Care

Does the Thought of Going to the Dentist Make You Nervous?

If dental visits fill you with anxiety or fear, you're not alone. Many people avoid dental care due to nervousness or past traumatic experiences. Fortunately, IV sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout your treatment.

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?

IV (intravenous) sedation dentistry involves administering sedative medication directly into your bloodstream during a dental procedure. This method provides rapid, controllable relaxation, often referred to as “twilight sleep.” You’re awake but deeply relaxed, and most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?

IV sedation is ideal for patients who:

• Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety

• Require multiple or lengthy procedures

• Have a strong gag reflex

• Struggle with sitting still for long periods

• Have had traumatic dental experiences

• Need oral surgery or complex restorative work

What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?

Once the sedation starts, you'll feel deeply relaxed and at ease. You’ll still be able to respond to instructions, but you may feel drowsy or not remember much afterward. This is what makes it ideal for anxious patients—it removes the fear and discomfort without putting you fully under anesthesia.

Is IV Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes—IV sedation is safe when administered by trained professionals. A qualified sedation dentist or anesthetist will monitor your vitals (blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate) throughout the procedure. A pre-treatment health assessment ensures IV sedation is appropriate for you.

How Is IV Sedation Different From Other Sedation Options?

Type of SedationLevel of RelaxationHow It's TakenBest ForNitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)MildInhaledMild anxiety or short proceduresOral SedationModeratePillMild to moderate anxietyIV SedationModerate to DeepInjectedHigh anxiety, surgery, longer proceduresGeneral AnesthesiaDeep (Unconscious)Injected/InhaledVery complex or surgical procedures

Preparing for IV Sedation: What to Expect

• Pre-visit consultation: We’ll review your medical history and discuss any medications you’re taking.

• Fasting required: You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before your appointment.

• Escort needed: A responsible adult must drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive post-treatment.

Recovery After IV Sedation

Most patients feel groggy or sleepy for a few hours after treatment. You’ll need to rest at home and avoid any strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Full alertness typically returns within 24 hours.

IV Sedation Dentistry in Pain Free Dentist Sydney – Why Choose Us?

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we provide safe, gentle IV sedation for patients who want a stress-free dental experience. Our experienced team is here to ensure your visit is calm, comfortable, and completely tailored to your needs.

Ready to Experience Pain-Free Dentistry?

If you've been putting off dental treatment due to fear or anxiety, IV sedation may be the solution you've been looking for. Contact [Your Dental Clinic Name] today to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation and take the first step toward stress-free, comfortable dental care.

📞 Call us at (02) 9558 8988
📍 Visit us at 570 New Canterbury road, Hurlstone Park, NSW, 2193
🌐 Book online at https://painfreedentistsydney.com.au/

Tongue Tie in Babies: What Parents Need to Know About Feeding and Development

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a common condition in newborns where the thin band of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can affect how babies feed and may impact their oral development.

If you’re a new parent, understanding tongue tie can help you support your baby’s feeding and growth.

👶 What Is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie restricts tongue movement, making it harder for your baby to:

• Latch properly during breastfeeding

• Move the tongue freely for effective sucking

• Swallow efficiently

It may cause feeding difficulties and, if untreated, could affect speech and oral development later.

🍼 Signs of Tongue Tie in Babies

You might notice:

• Difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch

• Prolonged feeding times or fussiness during feeds

• Clicking sounds while feeding

• Poor weight gain

• Maternal nipple pain or damage

• Limited tongue extension or a heart-shaped tongue tip

🤱 How Tongue Tie Affects Feeding

Babies with tongue tie often struggle to create the suction needed for breastfeeding, leading to frustration for both baby and mother. Bottle feeding might also be affected, though usually less severely.

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve feeding and reduce complications.

🩺 Treatment Options

If tongue tie affects feeding or development, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Frenotomy: A quick, simple procedure to release the frenulum, often done in the clinic.

• Lactation support: Specialized help to improve feeding techniques.

• Monitoring: Some mild cases don’t require immediate treatment and improve naturally.

🧠 Why Early Intervention Matters

Addressing tongue tie early helps:

• Improve feeding and weight gain

• Reduce nipple pain for breastfeeding mothers

• Support normal speech and oral development

• Prevent future dental or jaw alignment issues

💡 What Parents Can Do

• Watch for feeding difficulties or signs of tongue tie

• Consult your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or dentist experienced in tongue tie

• Get professional evaluation if you suspect tongue tie

• Follow recommended treatment plans and support feeding techniques