Infected Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth, often called third molars, get their name because they emerge during our late teens or early twenties—an age traditionally associated with gaining 'wisdom.' But while the name sounds wise, these teeth often behave quite the opposite!

In an ideal world, wisdom teeth would emerge perfectly aligned, giving you extra chewing power and no trouble at all. But reality often tells a different story. They frequently struggle to erupt correctly, causing crowding, misalignment, and discomfort. Left unchecked, they can even lead to infections and other complications.

This is why wisdom teeth removal has become such a buzzworthy topic, especially among Brisbane’s teens and young adults. When they start to cause trouble, extraction is usually the smartest choice.

Luckily, you are in experienced hands! At Dentalnook, our best dentists in Carindale have performed countless wisdom teeth procedures, ensuring a smooth process and happy smiles for all our clients.

What is the remedy for wisdom tooth pain?

You have mild wisdom tooth pain but not facing a major issue. Here are simple ways to find relief at home:

• Over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• A gentle swish with warm salt water can ease soreness and keep your mouth clean.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.

Still feeling discomfort? We are here to explore additional treatment options and ensure you get back to smiling pain-free.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

While the average adult mouth is designed to hold 32 teeth, not every jaw has enough room for these late bloomers known as wisdom teeth. When space is tight, wisdom teeth can cause a host of problems, including:

• Impacted Teeth: When there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge, they can get trapped beneath the gums. Such teeth are referred to as “impacted teeth.” This can lead to persistent pain, pressure on neighboring teeth, or even cyst formation.
• Gum Infections: Impacted wisdom teeth can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, often leading to gum infections. The chances of infection are high when the upper part of the impacted teeth are covered in a loose fold of gums at the rear end of the mouth. If this gum fold is left untreated, this can escalate into periodontal disease, which can damage the gums, dissolve the bone around the tooth and eventually result in tooth loss.
• Crowding: In a smaller jaw, wisdom teeth tend to push against existing teeth, leading to crowding and misalignment. This not only impacts the appearance of your smile but also makes eating and maintaining oral hygiene more challenging, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gum Discomfort: Tucked away at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth are notoriously tricky to clean. This can leave the surrounding gums sore and inflamed. Adding just five extra seconds of brushing around these teeth can help, but if discomfort persists, it is time to consult your dentist.

How Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth?

When our Brisbane dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal, we ensure you’re fully informed about the process so you can confidently decide if it’s right for you. Here is how we make it straightforward and stress-free:

• We typically use local anaesthesia to numb the area and keep you comfortable during the procedure. However, if you’re feeling nervous, we offer additional sedation options to help you relax.
• If your wisdom tooth has already grown out through the gum, it might only need a routine extraction. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than those in the lower jaw.
• For impacted teeth or those causing trouble, the process can be a little more complex. The complexity level increases when the tooth is stuck within the gum or in a hard-to-reach spot. In these cases, we carefully access the tooth and remove it in smaller sections for precision and ease.
• You are in good hands at Dentalnook with our wisdom tooth removal specialist. Owing to their extensive years of study and experience, our oral surgeon has the expertise to handle even the most challenging cases.
• We are proud to be a preferred provider for most health funds, making wisdom tooth removal accessible and budget-friendly.

What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

A little bleeding is normal after the procedure. You will be given a gauze pad to bite on, which helps form a clot and start the healing process.

For a smooth recovery, here are some tips to follow in the first few days:

• Stick to Soft Foods: Nourish yourself with soups, bananas, mashed potatoes, eggs, or pasta. Avoid anything too crunchy or chewy.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but skip the straws to avoid disturbing the clot.
• Take It Easy: Hold off on strenuous physical activity. This is the perfect excuse to rest!
• Say No to Smoking and Alcohol: Both can interfere with healing, so it’s best to steer clear for a while.
• Hands Off the Wound: Resist the temptation to poke or prod the area, even if you are curious.
• Gentle Oral Care: Brush and floss carefully, avoiding the extraction site to keep it clean without rubbing on it unnecessarily.

A Preventive Approach

If wisdom teeth are causing trouble or even seem poised to, it is often best to have them removed. Addressing the problem early can prevent pain and protect your remaining teeth.

Have questions or experiencing discomfort due to your wisdom teeth? Let us help you make a wise decision for your oral health!