Wisdom teeth can cause immense pain and discomfort when they become impacted or misaligned.
Take, for example, the case of 27-year-old Mary, who started experiencing throbbing pain in her lower right jaw. After consulting with her dentist, Mary discovered that her wisdom teeth had become impacted and needed to be removed.
This article will explore the common symptoms of wisdom tooth pain, reasons for wisdom tooth removal, signs that one should see a dentist, preparing for wisdom tooth extraction, and aftercare tips for a speedy recovery.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically appear at the back of the mouth in late adolescence or early adulthood. Also known as an adult tooth, wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, gum disease, and tooth decay when they fail to erupt properly or if they become impacted. In some cases, wisdom teeth can also cause damage to nearby teeth.
Symptoms of trouble with wisdom teeth can include dry socket, a condition in which blood clots fail to form in the socket after extraction, severe pain, and difficulty eating anything other than soft foods.
It is recommended that wisdom teeth be removed in late teens or early adulthood when they are more easily extracted, and the healing process can be managed. Careful monitoring of wisdom teeth is necessary to detect any potential issues and seek treatment before the situation becomes worse. Early removal can help avoid future pain and problems for the patient and improve the overall health of the mouth.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Pain in the jaw area can be a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. If the wisdom tooth has become impacted, the patient may experience difficulty opening the mouth, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and aching around the gum line near the wisdom tooth. Other symptoms can include swelling, bad breath, and a sour taste in the mouth. In some cases, patients may also experience sinus pain or tenderness in the adjacent teeth. If any of these symptoms are present, a visit to an oral surgeon is recommended to evaluate the situation.
During the evaluation, the oral surgeon will assess the condition of the wisdom tooth and determine the best course of action. Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended to eliminate the symptoms. During the procedure, the wisdom tooth and any surrounding tissue are removed, and the tooth socket is cleaned with an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection. After the procedure, the patient may experience some swelling, bruising, and excessive bleeding, but these symptoms should subside within a few days.
With proper care and monitoring, wisdom teeth removal can help relieve pain and prevent further complications. It is important to consult an oral surgeon if the patient experiences any of the previously mentioned symptoms in order to determine the best course of action.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth can create a number of complications that can potentially necessitate removal. These symptoms can include a bad taste in the mouth, an unpleasant taste, pain medications that do not provide relief, difficulty chewing, and food particles that become trapped in the gums.
In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can increase the risk of infection and may interfere with orthodontic treatments. A dental X-ray can help determine if wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If a surgical procedure is recommended, there are a variety of treatment options available, including wisdom teeth extraction.
The removal of wisdom teeth can help to prevent further complications and improve the overall health of the teeth and gums.
Signs That You Should See a Dentist
Regularly visiting a dentist is important for maintaining oral health and can help with early detection of potential issues. It is important to pay attention to the condition of one’s permanent teeth and wisdom teeth and to detect any signs of misalignment or other problems. Symptoms of wisdom teeth trouble include pain and swelling around the gums, bad breath, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and a bad taste in the mouth. If any of these symptoms appear, it is important to seek urgent dental treatment.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if the wisdom teeth are impacted, misaligned or crowding other teeth. Postoperative pain and swelling are common after wisdom tooth removal, and a follow-up appointment with the dentist might be necessary. Systemic infection is a rare but possible complication of wisdom tooth removal, and if it occurs, it is crucial to seek urgent medical care.
Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent the need for a wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to brush and floss regularly and to see a dentist every six months for a checkup. If any of the symptoms of wisdom teeth trouble appear, it is important to seek urgent care from a dentist. With proper management, the removal of wisdom teeth can be a relatively painless procedure.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Prior to wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to prepare adequately to ensure a successful procedure. This involves scheduling an appointment in advance, as well as taking certain steps to ensure that the jaw bone and soft tissue are in a healthy condition before the procedure. Additionally, the dental team should evaluate the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to identify any potential risks associated with the extraction. Furthermore, it is important to note that the tooth may be connected to lingual nerves that must be carefully managed during the procedure.
Patients should avoid any strenuous physical activity for several days before wisdom tooth removal, as this could interfere with the healing process. Additionally, it is important to discuss any concerns or potential risks with the dentist prior to the procedure. During the appointment, the dentist may use nitrous oxide to reduce any discomfort. Also, it is important to note that wisdom tooth removal may impact the alignment of neighbouring teeth, leading to crooked teeth.
Aftercare Tips for a Speedy Recovery
It is important to understand that the removal of wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms and side effects. Therefore, aftercare for a speedy recovery is crucial. After hours or days post-surgery, it is typical for patients to experience swelling, as well as pain and discomfort. Pain relievers and other medications may be prescribed in order to lessen the discomfort. To reduce the swelling, it is recommended to apply cold compresses for 15 minutes every few hours.
Additionally, it is advised to avoid normal activities such as exercise and heavy lifting for at least a week post-surgery. To keep the area clean and to avoid infection, a saltwater rinse is recommended every few hours. Additionally, it is important to maintain a diet of semisoft foods, such as yogurt and mashed potatoes, for the first few days post-surgery.
In the event of persistent pain or infection, it is important to contact the oral health practitioner. It is also important to practice healthy oral health habits such as brushing and flossing. Furthermore, it is recommended to attend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the upper wisdom tooth has been removed properly and that no infection is present.
Key Takeaways
Wisdom teeth removal can be a difficult experience for many people. However, it is important to recognise the signs that indicate the need for removal.
Taking the necessary precautions and preparing adequately prior to the extraction can help to ensure a speedy recovery.
Alluding to the idea of a light at the end of the tunnel, the post-operative period can be seen as an opportunity to move forward and enjoy a pain-free life.
With the help of a trusted oral care professional, the wisdom teeth removal process can be managed with relative ease.
If you are in the Newport, NSW area and require a wisdom teeth extraction, look no further than the Newport Dental Centre. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will take the necessary steps to ensure your procedure is carried out in a safe and comfortable environment with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free future.
Dr. Dhrupad Patel, a dedicated dentist in Newport, focuses on restoring oral health for the local and Northern Beaches community. With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and accreditation from the Australian Dental Board, Dr. Dhrupad Patel excels in surgical procedures and smile design. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, travel, cricket, and F1.
