Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth infection

In some cases, there may not be enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth. This can make brushing and flossing these teeth very difficult. Food and bacteria will build up between the wisdom tooth and its neighbouring molar, therefore decay and gum infections are more likely.

The symptoms of an infection caused by a wisdom tooth include:

• reddened, inflamed gum alongside the wisdom tooth
• swelling
• pain
• fever
• pus coming from the gum line
• sore lymph glands under the jaw
• difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated, but the infection will keep coming back unless the teeth are removed. People with pre-existing health problems and compromised immunity can suffer serious complications from these infections.

Cheek biting and chewing problems

Crowded wisdom teeth may grate against the cheek, causing ulcers on the cheek and chewing problems.

Impaction

Impaction is where the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle and pushes into the next tooth (hard impaction) or the gum (soft impaction). A wisdom tooth that grows on an angle can’t contribute to chewing, making it useless as well as potentially painful.

Wisdom tooth extraction, where required, is best performed sooner rather than later.

Using x-rays, your dentist can determine which wisdom teeth need to be removed. Sometimes, a person may need all of the wisdom teeth extracted. The operation may be performed in our surgery using local anaesthetic or IV sedation. IV sedation is commonly referred to as sleep dentistry because you feel like you slept through the procedure and usually have no recollection of the treatment. Please have a look at our Sleep Sedation for more information.

Your jaw and gum are likely to be sore, swollen and prone to bleeding for a few days after the operation. One of the possible post-surgery complications is a dry socket where the site doesn’t heal as well as it should. This can be successfully treated by your dentist.

Our dentists or oral health professional will offer instructions on caring for your mouth after surgery, but general suggestions for self-care after a tooth extraction include:

• Take painkillers if required and upon advice from your dentist or other oral health professional.
• Regularly hold a mouthful of warm salty water (after meals only) and upon instruction. Be sure to wait 24 hours after surgery before doing this.
• Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods for the next few days.