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Signs That Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming Through And What To Do Next

07 Jan 2019  |  No Comments
Wisdom tooth

If your gums are feeling inflamed right at the back and you’re having difficulty opening your mouth, your wisdom teeth may be coming through. Wisdom teeth are the molars at the very back of your mouth and usually come through between the ages of 17 to 21. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. 

Signs and symptoms your wisdom teeth are erupting

Most adults have four wisdom teeth (although some lucky folks only have one) and will start to notice these symptoms:

  • • Inflamed or swollen gums at the back of the mouth
  • • Red or tender gums at the back of the mouth
  • • Throbbing or pulsing sensation in the gums at the back of the mouth
  • • Pus coming from your gums
  • • Sore lymph nodes near the base of the jaw
  • • Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
  • • Persistent headaches or earaches

What to do when you notice your wisdom teeth coming through

Regardless of whether your teeth hurt or not, you should still pay a visit to your dentist once you notice your teeth coming through. With a simple x-ray, your dentist will be able to provide further information advice. For some people, the teeth will erupt and grow normally and (aside from some minor pain) won’t require removal. However, if you’re experiencing high levels of pain or your teeth are showing signs of impaction, then you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed.

Impaction occurs when your jaw bone or the teeth around your wisdom tooth stop it from coming through. The tooth is “trapped” by its surrounding structures.

Wisdom teeth extraction                 

Extracting your wisdom teeth with a fairly standard procedure that is done using a general or local anaesthetic. Depending on the position of your tooth, the surgery can be quite simple. However, if your tooth is impacted, then a more complicated process is required.

  1. First, your dentist will make an incision through the surface of your gum just above the tooth.
  2. Next, they will remove any bone covering the tooth.
  3. Finally, your tooth will be removed. Sometimes, your dentist will need to cut your tooth into several pieces for a cleaner extraction.

After the surgery, your dentist will give your instructions on how to care for your mouth. Generally speaking, you should avoid smoking, alcohol, and using straws; keep your mouth clean by gargling salt water after meals; and take your prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.

Are your wisdom teeth coming through? Schedule an appointment with the friendly dental team at Marsfield Dental today.

If you're looking for a dentist in Sydney who takes genuine care in their work and the well-being of his or her patients, call today and let Dr Choo, Dr Ip and their friendly staff look after you, your family and those pearly whites!

"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."

COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021

 All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.