Everything you Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars (back teeth) to come through, usually during a person’s late teens or early-to-mid-20s. There are usually two wisdom teeth in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, however some people have less than for and some have none at all. In this blog, we take you through some of the problems that can be caused by wisdom teeth and how to deal with them.

Common problems related to wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth usually aren’t a problem for most people, however they can sometimes come through on an angle, pushing into the gums or teeth beside them. This is called impaction, and can result in misalignment, sensitivity and/or infection. Impaction can also occur when wisdom teeth fail to come all the way through, usually because the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate them. Sometimes this will cause a flap of gum tissue to grow over them, which can easily trap food and become infected. Wisdom teeth can also cause overcrowding, making it harder to clean your teeth and interfering with chewing or speech.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

If problem wisdom teeth become infected, they will need to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. However, if infections are recurrent, the teeth may have to be removed. People with secondary health issues, especially compromised immunity, should be especially wary of infections. Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection can include red, inflamed gums near the wisdom tooth (sometimes with pus), pain and swelling, sore and swollen lymph glands under the jaw, difficulty swallowing or opening and closing the jaw, and fever.

Removal of wisdom teeth

The best way to figure out whether wisdom teeth will need be removed is to undergo an x-ray administered by your dentist or orthodontist. Some wisdom teeth will not cause problems and can be left to come through naturally, while some may require a small cut in the gum (done by your dentist or oral surgeon) to help them come through. If wisdom teeth need to be completely removed, this will be done either under local or general anaesthetic, and the wounds will be stitched up. Problem wisdom teeth are best removed early, before they can cause damage.

Eden Rise Dental are a family friendly Berwick dental surgery. If you need advice on your or your child’s wisdom teeth, or want to book in a removal, contact us today on (03) 9702 6111.