WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST FOR WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
SIGNS OF A WISDOM TOOTH INFECTION
Experiencing wisdom tooth pain can be a headache.
You might find yourself wondering whether the discomfort you're experiencing is significant enough to justify a visit to the dentist. It's natural to hope that the pain will resolve on its own, but seeking professional advice is important for a number of reasons.
At The Dental Architect, we understand the significance of addressing wisdom tooth concerns promptly – not only to relieve your discomfort but to prevent other issues from arising.
Let our experienced team talk you through when to see a dentist for wisdom tooth pain and ways that you can manage your discomfort between visits.
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth typically emerge in early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17-25. They are the last set of molars located at the back of your mouth. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth – two on the top and two on the bottom. Our ancestors needed these extra teeth to be able to chew through tough food like roots and meats, but they aren’t as necessary in the modern age.
While some people may have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience complications due to factors like overcrowding or impaction.
ARE MY WISDOM TEETH HEALTHY?
If you’ve noticed that your wisdom teeth are erupting, you may be wondering whether they’re healthy.
- PAINLESS ERUPTION —
While some discomfort may be normal during this process, a painless emergence of wisdom teeth is an encouraging sign that they are healthy and properly aligned.
- NORMAL POSITIONING —
Wisdom teeth that emerge straight and fully are less likely to cause problems.
- PROPER FUNCTION —
Functioning well during chewing without causing discomfort or pain is a good indication of their health.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WISDOM TEETH
Despite being a natural part of oral development, wisdom teeth can sometimes pose issues, such as:
- IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH —
When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they can become impacted. This can lead to pain, swelling and potential damage to the surrounding teeth.
- CROWDING —
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding in the mouth, shifting adjacent teeth out of alignment and affecting your bite.
- INFECTIONS AND GUM DISEASE —
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections and even gum disease.
- CYSTS —
In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may damage the surrounding teeth and bone if left untreated.
SIGNS OF A WISDOM TOOTH INFECTION INFECTION
Signs of a wisdom tooth infection may include:
- Severe pain around the wisdom tooth.
- Swelling in the gums or jaw.
- Fever.
- Foul breath or taste may be a sign of bacterial growth and infection.
WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST FOR WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
If you’re grappling with wisdom tooth pain, it’s essential to recognise the significance of seeking professional advice as soon as possible.
While routine dental checkups are crucial for preventive care, experiencing discomfort or pain around your wisdom teeth warrants immediate attention. Ignoring the signs of troublesome wisdom teeth can lead to more severe complications, including infections, swelling and difficulties in jaw movement.
HOW TO MANAGE WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
While you await dental care, there are several over-the-counter solutions to help manage your wisdom tooth pain.
Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief from pain. You may also wish to try topical gels with numbing agents that can be applied to the affected area to temporarily alleviate discomfort.
While these remedies can help to relieve pain quickly, they are not a long-term solution. If the pain persists or worsens despite over-the-counter remedies, you should visit our clinicians as soon as possible.
WHEN TO BOOK AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT
If you have a sudden onset of wisdom tooth pain, it’s essential that you contact our practice in Leeds. Ignoring the symptoms of an infection may lead to more severe complications.
If you think you require our emergency dental services, please call us on 0113 868 4324.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT FOR WISDOM TOOTH PAIN?
During your emergency appointment, our main goal is to help relieve your pain and minimise the risk of any infection spreading.
One of our clinicians will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the position and condition of the affected wisdom tooth. Based on the findings, we will then recommend an appropriate course of action, which may include extraction or a prescription for antibiotics to manage the infection.
WHAT IS THE WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL PROCESS?
Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure performed to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. It is a simple process that typically involves the following steps:
- 1. EVALUATION —
A comprehensive examination, often including X-rays, to assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth.
- 2. ANAESTHESIA —
Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort. In cases where multiple teeth need to be extracted, we may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia.
- 3. EXTRACTION —
If the tooth is impacted, we will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. One of our clinicians will then carefully extract the wisdom tooth.
- 4. STITCHING —
The area is then thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, stitches may be required to close the extraction site.
- 5. GAUZE —
A gauze is then placed over the wound to help control the bleeding.
To learn more about wisdom tooth extractions at The Dental Architect, please click here.
WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL AFTERCARE
Our clinicians will then provide you with detailed instructions on post-operative care to promote proper healing. This will include:
- PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVICE —
We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort.
- ICE PACKS —
- Applying ice packs to the affected area can reduce swelling and promote healing.
- SOFT DIET —
Stick to a soft diet for the first few days to avoid putting undue pressure on the extraction site.
- ORAL HYGIENE —
Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth. You should avoid the surgical site while it heals.
- FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS —
Attend follow-up appointments so that our clinicians can monitor your healing progress.
ARE YOUR WISDOM TEETH CAUSING YOU PAIN?
Recognising the signs of troublesome wisdom teeth and seeking dental care quickly can make a significant difference in your oral health. At our luxury practice in Leeds, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and guidance throughout the process, from identifying potential issues to addressing them through wisdom tooth removal.
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth discomfort or have concerns about your oral health, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Call our experienced team today on 0113 868 4324 for advice on how to manage your wisdom tooth pain and whether it’s time to visit our dentists. We look forward to hearing from you.
