Do you have wisdom teeth pain?
Wisdom teeth are a left-over relic from our early ancestors. Their diet of tough vegetation required an extra set of molars to break down their food. Our diet has since become a lot easier to chew and digest, and our jaws have shrunk, leaving less room for our wisdom teeth. About 35% of us are born without wisdom teeth, but for the rest these teeth can cause a lot of pain.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Because of a lack of space wisdom teeth often force their way out into space already occupied by existing teeth. The tight space that forms between the teeth becomes a great hiding spot for bacteria as it is out of reach of your toothbrush and floss. The combination of pressure and bacterial growth can cause pain and decay, and left untreated can lead to infection. Sometimes the wisdom teeth emerge and go back down under the gums over and over, causing repeated pain with each eruption.
Why remove wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth offer no benefit to us (except in some cases where other molars are missing) and can put our other teeth at risk. Because they are so far back in our mouth and often crowded, wisdom teeth become incredibly difficult to clean. It is best to remove wisdom teeth before they pose an issue. If your wisdom teeth are still sitting below the gums and aren’t causing any discomfort the dentist may advise leaving them where they are until something changes.
What should I do if I’m concerned about my wisdom teeth?
The first place to start is a consultation with a general dentist. Our team of Wellington dentists can help you here. Due to our smaller jaws, wisdom teeth can grow very close to our facial nerves, and careful planning is needed to remove them. The dentist will likely take a special, full mouth x-ray known as an OPG to assess the position of your teeth. In difficult cases the dentist may refer you to an Oral Surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth can be removed under sedation for a more comfortable experience.
What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
Whether or not you are sedated for wisdom teeth removal the dentist will make sure you are fully numb for this procedure. Sometimes your teeth can be removed easily and simply with forceps, but in some cases the tooth and/or gum will need to be cut first. As you are numb you will not feel any pain, but you may feel a pulling or tugging sensation. Sutures may be placed at the extraction site to close the wound following removal.
What do I need to know about wisdom teeth removal?
Having your wisdom teeth removed can make you feel very uncomfortable for a day or two following the procedure. It is important to only have light activities planned for a couple days after treatment. Your jaw will feel very tender, so having soft foods on hand is key as it can be tricky to eat normally. You should not smoke or drink alcohol for a week after having your wisdom teeth removed, as this can lead to a painful condition known as ‘dry socket’. The dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions following your appointment.
