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:
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.
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.
"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."