Wisdom teeth are a common reason why some of us feel pain around the back of our mouths. Some people feel pain when they are emerging, or when chewing and eating food. If the dentist thinks that your wisdom teeth are becoming problematic, they have the option to remove them.
When our wisdom teeth start erupting, around the ages of 16-22, our mouths might not have the space for them. This can cause issues such as them emerging at an angle, not fully emerging and overcrowding. These issues can cause pain and discomfort and can also lead to other oral problems such as being unable to clean them properly resulting in infections or gum disease.
An important first step if you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, is to make an appointment as our dentists are able to notice any problems that may be causing pain.
Wisdom teeth are in a difficult position in the mouth and the procedure is classed as major surgery. Either general or local anaesthesia are options which will be decided on and dependent on your individual situation.
As this is a surgical procedure, people usually experience some pain and discomfort, especially after the surgery when the anaesthesia starts to wear off.
We want you to return to your normal eating habits as soon as possible after having wisdom teeth. Although for the first few days after treatment you might need to pay more attention to what you are eating.
It is advised to follow these steps to speed up the healing process:
After surgery it is likely you will experience some pain or discomfort which could involve some bleeding. You need to make sure not to damage or harm your gums whilst they are trying to heal. Following the advised aftercare and the “what can I eat after wisdom teeth removal” section is a good start to prevent harm to the gums.
Your dentist might recommend some pain relief medication. Placing an ice pack on the area can reduce swelling and reduce inflammation. It is important to keep your mouth clean without agitating the area. This involves light brushing and limited flossing.
The recovery period is different for each person. It will depend on the intensity of the surgery; how many teeth are removed and how quickly your body recovers.
At My Dental Care @ West End, we provide a wide range of restorative dental services. Whether you’re looking to have Invisalign, dental implants or anything in between – we’re happy to assist you in any way we can!
Contact us today and take that step towards improving your smile and overall oral health.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the human mouth. They often emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause problems due to a lack of space in the jaw. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent complications such as pain, infections, or damage to other teeth.
Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. The decision to remove wisdom teeth is based on various factors, including the individual’s oral health, the position of the teeth, and whether they are causing or are likely to cause problems.
If the wisdom teeth are properly aligned, fully erupted, and can be easily cleaned, they may not require removal. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gums or bone), causing pain, crowding other teeth, or leading to other dental issues, their removal is often recommended.
It is important to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance. They will consider factors such as the size of your jaw, the condition of the wisdom teeth, and any potential risks or complications associated with leaving them in place.
“Impacted” wisdom teeth are teeth that do not have enough space to fully emerge or grow properly in the mouth. This can cause pain, infections, damage to neighbouring teeth, and other complications. In such cases, it is often recommended to have the impacted wisdom teeth removed.
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