Wisdom Teeth
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Causing You Pain?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. While some people never develop wisdom teeth, and some people have no issues with them, others may experience pain, discomfort, or even infection due to impacted teeth. If you’re noticing pain at the back of your mouth or struggling with brushing and eating, it’s important to consult with our dentists at Whyalla Dental Care before the problem worsens.
Severe Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relief can help with mild, short-term discomfort. However, if the pain continues or worsens, removal may be needed to avoid complications like gum infections, cysts, or overcrowding. If the pain is affecting your daily activities, emergency removal may be necessary—contact Whyalla Dental Care immediately.
At Whyalla Dental Care, we provide expert care for wisdom teeth, including monitoring, extraction, and treatment for complications like impaction or infection.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
In simple cases, numbing the gums with a local anaesthetic and removing the teeth in the chair may be sufficient. For more complex or deeply impacted teeth, a surgical procedure under general anaesthesia with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at a local hospital may be required.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
There are a variety of signs that your wisdom teeth may be causing problems, including:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of your mouth
- Swelling or jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Red or swollen gums around the wisdom teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Headaches or earaches
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Whyalla Dental Care.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
While some people have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to emerge without issue, others may experience problems. Common wisdom teeth issues include:
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When there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to come through properly, they can become impacted (trapped below the gum line).
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Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets in the gums, leading to infections.
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Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift, leading to crowding or misalignment.
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In rare cases, untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or other growths in the jaw.
Whyalla Dental Care’s Approach to Wisdom Teeth
At Whyalla Dental Care, we understand that wisdom teeth can be a source of concern. Our team at Whyalla Dental Care is here to help guide you through the process with professional advice in a a caring and comfortable environment.
During your first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and identify any potential issues. We’ll then discuss your treatment options based on your unique situation.
If you want to find out about wisdom tooth infection or about the healing process after getting wisdom teeth removed, please get in touch.
Talk to us about wisdom tooth removal today.
FAQ: Wisdom Tooth Removal
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Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t fully emerge from the gum line or grow at an angle. You may experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the back of your mouth, or difficulty opening your jaw. An X-ray will help our dentists determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted and guide the best course of action.
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The procedure itself is done under local or general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the removal. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief and following our post-operative care instructions.
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Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the extraction. For most people, the initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks, with some swelling and discomfort. Complete recovery may take up to a month. We’ll guide you on managing any pain and swelling and what to avoid during recovery.
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After your procedure, you’ll need to stick to soft foods for a few days. Foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are good options. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods for the first few days to prevent irritation or infection.
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If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing discomfort, leaving them untreated can lead to more severe problems, such as infection, cysts, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth. Regular monitoring is important to catch any potential issues early.
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While wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, there are some risks, including infection, nerve injury, or dry socket. However, these risks are very rare, and we take every precaution to ensure the procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible.
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Most health insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost of wisdom tooth removal. It’s best to check with your provider to understand your coverage. We can also assist you with this process during your consultation.
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If you’re only receiving local anaesthesia, you may be able to drive yourself home, but we recommend having someone accompany you. If you’re undergoing general anaesthesia, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.
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Most patients can return to work or school within 1-2 days, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for about a week.
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Using a straw after your wisdom tooth removal is not recommended because the suction can cause a condition known as “Dry Socket.” This condition occurs when a blood clot in the empty tooth socket dislodges, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. Dry Socket can lead to increased pain and a longer recovery time. To prevent Dry Socket, it’s best to drink directly from a glass and avoid any sucking motion for at least a week after the procedure.
Other Services
Our services are provided as a preferred partner of Bupa and HCF health funds.
We also accept all other health funds including Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).
