Wisdom teeth pain — not on our watch

Great question. Here are some common signs you may need your wisdom teeth taken out:

• Pain or an aching feeling around your jaw bone
• Swelling and redness in the area where the wisdom teeth are coming through
• Facial swelling
• Bad breath / unpleasant taste in the mouth

‍

There are several different reasons why you may need your wisdom teeth extracted. You may not have enough room in your mouth for the wisdom teeth to come through. Your wisdom teeth may be growing at an angle. Sometimes, the teeth will become trapped (known as impacted wisdom teeth) in the jaw, and this can lead to infection.  On the other hand, some people have zero trouble with their wisdom teeth (lucky ducks!).  The best way to know if you need wisdom teeth removal is to chat with your dentist.

If you have severe pain or inflammation, you may need emergency dental treatment. In this case, give us a buzz on (02) 9361 4044. We’ll get you looked at and out of pain in a flash. In most instances, your dentist will keep an eye on your wisdom teeth during your regular check-ups. A simple x-ray can determine whether extraction is needed and is the best approach.

Wisdom teeth are a set of molars that sit at the back of the jaw. Most of us have four wisdom teeth—two on the bottom (left and right), two on the top. They usually come through between the ages of about 18-25 years. But here’s the thing. Early humans needed these teeth to grind foods like raw meats, plants, and nuts. Our ancestors had bigger jaws too, so there was plenty of room for wisdom teeth. Nowadays, our eating habits have changed (sushi, anyone?) , so we have no need for wisdom teeth. Plus, thanks to our slimmer jawline, they can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Wondering about wisdom teeth removal aftercare? A small amount of swelling, discomfort, and bleeding is expected. This is normal. It’s all part of the healing process. Typically, these wisdom teeth symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Other aftercare recommendations include:

‍

• Avoid rinsing and spitting, as this can interrupt healing
• Stick to soft or liquid foods for a few days and try to chew with the front teeth
• Avoid strenuous activity for a day or two
• Using an extra pillow at night can help reduce the pain, swelling and bleeding

‍

Don’t worry, the “chipmunk cheeks” will go down in a day or two. Holding a cold cloth or compress on the cheeks can feel nice.

One possible complication of wisdom teeth removal is infection. After wisdom teeth extraction, a blood clot will form over the hole (socket) where the tooth previously sat. This is a good thing. The blood clot helps to stop food particles from becoming trapped in the dry socket. If the blood clot doesn’t form or is removed before the site has time to heal it can become infected. The main symptom of dry socket infection is severe pain within a few days after the extraction. If you suspect infection, return to your dentist.