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Wisdom teeth

 
 

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, the eruption of wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and disruption to your life.

It’s all too common to feel discomfort when your wisdom teeth start to come through. This can happen in your late teens, all the way through to your mid-twenties, and the worst pain is usually the result of improper eruption. You might feel pain in your back-most molars as well as the surrounding gums, and complications can lead to inflammation or even infection.

If you’re experiencing pain due to your wisdom teeth, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist to have your wisdom teeth examined for any signs of abnormal eruption or impaction.

 
 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a set of four molars, two on the top and two below. They typically erupt at the very back of your gums between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, perhaps because they have largely grown redundant as humans have evolved.

We call them “wisdom teeth” because they erupt as we reach adulthood, but unfortunately there’s little to be said about wisdom teeth actually making anyone wiser!

Instead, wisdom teeth tend to be a source of pain as they erupt, or otherwise a breeding site for tooth decay due to being much harder to reach with your toothbrush.

 

Symptoms of wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth start to erupt you’ll likely experience some or all of the following:

  • Upper or lower jaw pain

  • Inflammation and redness in the gums

  • Headaches

  • Earaches

  • Difficulty opening your mouth

  • Discomfort when brushing

  • Pain can range from mild to severe. It’s normal to feel some discomfort, but persistent or intense pain may be cause for concern.

Particularly sore wisdom teeth may also create difficulty eating and swallowing, bleeding gums and persistent bad breath.

 

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Often, there is no need for wisdom teeth to be removed. It’s normal to feel some pain in the gums and neighbouring teeth as your wisdom teeth erupt. However, this will often pass once the teeth have come through — the same way your gums may have hurt when your first adult teeth were arriving.

That said, because wisdom teeth erupt after our 28 other adult teeth are comfortably in place, there’s often not room for the wisdom teeth. This can cause these final molars to erupt at odd angles, or in abnormal positions. When this happens, the wisdom tooth is said to be “impacted”.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to:

  • Infection

  • Abscesses

  • Damage to neighbouring teeth

  • Tooth decay.

Even when wisdom teeth haven’t become impacted, they are a common site for tooth decay because they’re much harder to be sure you’re brushing and flossing properly due to their location.

 

Treating wisdom teeth pain at home

If you’re suffering from sore wisdom teeth, don’t stress. Pain during teeth eruption is very common, and mild cases may pass once the eruption is complete.

You can manage your pain with a cold compress on the side of your face, around the site of eruption. Anti-inflammatory painkillers may also help to reduce your discomfort.

If the pain is making it difficult to get through your day, we recommend seeing a dentist for a more permanent solution.


When to go to the dentist

Mild discomfort is normal, but as soon as pain is affecting your day or making it difficult to focus, it’s a good idea to see a dentist. Wisdom tooth pain can grow more severe if the tooth is impacted, and further complications can compound that pain. 

The sooner you check in with your dentist, the quicker we can treat your pain before it gets worse.

 

What to expect

When you come in for wisdom teeth pain, we’ll consult with you about your pain and any medication you take, examine the teeth in question and take a panoramic x-ray if needed. This helps us get a better understanding of what’s going on and find the best way to treat your pain as quickly and as comfortably as possible.

We may recommend you get your wisdom teeth removed even if they aren’t currently a cause for concern, if we suspect they may lead to complications later on. It’s always easier to remove your wisdom teeth when you’re younger, because the surrounding bone is more flexible and you’ll heal much faster.

If your teeth are impacted, wisdom tooth extraction will likely be the best way forward.

 

Wisdom teeth removal

On the day of your procedure, it’s important to avoid smoking as this can contribute to dry socket.

At the clinic, we’ll usually use an injection of local anaesthetic into the surrounding gum. We’ll then either perform a simple or surgical extraction:

  • Simple extraction: If the tooth is fully erupted, your dentist will use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth and then remove it with a pair of forceps — which are a bit like tongs or tweezers.

  • Surgical extraction: When eruption isn’t or cannot be completed, we may have to make a small incision into the gum to properly access the tooth for extraction. In some cases, surrounding bone or the tooth itself may need to be cut into.

No matter the extraction method, you can expect to feel some pressure in your mouth during the procedure, but no pain. If you feel any pain or pinching, let us know right away.

It’s a good idea to plan a ride home, as you may be a little wobbly on your feet due to the anaesthetic. Once you’re home, rest for one full day and avoid hard or chewy foods for a few days after. Yoghurt, soup and other soft foods are great options.

We’ll provide you with a full list of written care instructions so you can be sure you’ll heal nice and quickly.

 
 
 

Got questions?

What does wisdom teeth pain feel like?

Wisdom teeth pain can range from general discomfort to throbbing pain. It tends to radiate from the site of eruption — at the back of your mouth, on either side of the upper or lower jaw.

What is the cost of having wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth extractions vary in price depending on the complexity of the procedure. Surgical extractions start at $285, and we’ll give you a personalised estimate following consultation. At Kowhai Dental, we understand that dental bills are often unwelcome surprises, so we do our best to provide a range of payment options. We work hard to bring you great prices with no sacrifice in the quality of our service and products.

How do you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in?

If you’re between the ages of 17 and 25 and are experiencing discomfort behind your second molars, it’s likely your wisdom teeth are erupting. You can also run a clean finger along the gum at the back of your mouth. Tenderness or swelling is a sign of eruption, and you may even feel part of the tooth.

What happens if you don't get your wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are impacted and aren’t removed, they will most likely contribute to infection and tooth decay. It’s likely you will lose both the wisdom teeth and second molars. However, if your wisdom teeth erupt without incident, there may be no cause for concern at all.

Will I be put to sleep for wisdom teeth extraction?

At Kowhai Dental, we do not use sedation methods and instead prefer a local anaesthetic. Rest assured, you won’t feel any pain during your procedure. Being awake for the extraction ensures you can communicate with us in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

How long does wisdom teeth extraction take?

At Kowhai Dental, we aim to work efficiently and effectively while still prioritising your comfort. Extraction often takes between 30 to 60 minutes, however more complicated procedures may last longer.

Is it better to be put to sleep for wisdom teeth?

Sedation dentistry is most commonly used for patients with severe dental anxiety, and in especially time-consuming procedures. Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively quick procedure, and there’s typically no need for sedation. At Kowhai Dental, we use a local anaesthetic to ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

How many wisdom teeth should I have removed?

The number of wisdom teeth you need to have removed will depend on how each tooth is erupting. We’ll consult with you and perform panoramic x-rays to examine the state of each tooth and identify where extraction is necessary.

Is it better to get wisdom teeth out when they are grown in?

When you feel pain associated with your wisdom teeth, it’s important to get them checked by the dentists at Kowhai Dental. Whether the teeth are fully grown in or not, we can assess how your wisdom teeth are erupting and let you know if or when they’ll need to be removed. We may find that some wisdom teeth are likely to become impacted in our examination, and recommend they be extracted before that happens.

What are signs my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?

Excessive pain, bleeding gums and infection are signs that your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, book an appointment with Kowhai Dental so we can assess your needs.

How long can you wait to remove impacted wisdom teeth?

The longer you wait to address impacted wisdom teeth, the more damage will be done. We recommend acting as quickly as possible, and offer a range of payment plans to ensure that you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Does removing wisdom teeth change face shape?

It’s not likely that having your wisdom teeth removed will change the shape of your face. Swelling due to impaction or post-procedure healing may cause your jaw to appear slightly wider, and naturally once this is addressed your face may appear comparatively narrower.

How painful is wisdom tooth removal?

We take great pains to ensure that your tooth extraction is as painless and as comfortable as possible. At Kowhai Dental, we use a local anaesthetic to numb the surrounding area so the worst you’ll feel is a slight pressure. You may experience some pain following the procedure as the anaesthetic wears off. We might prescribe you a recommended painkiller to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

What is the oldest age your wisdom teeth can erupt?

Everybody is different, but most people will have had their wisdom teeth come through by the age of 25. If yours haven’t come through by then, there’s a chance that they simply won’t. This is totally normal and might even save you some hassle.

Is wisdom teeth surgery safe?

Absolutely, yes. The team at Kowhai Dental are both highly qualified and experienced. We’ve performed countless successful extractions and take the utmost care in everything we do. We go above and beyond to adhere to industry standards and offer safe, comfortable and positive experiences.

Does removing wisdom teeth straighten teeth?

No. If you’re concerned about the straightness of your teeth, your best option is to talk to us about our range of orthodontic services.

Can removing wisdom teeth change my bite?

No. Removing your wisdom teeth is likely to have very little effect on your other teeth, besides avoiding or treating impaction.

How many days off will I need after wisdom teeth extraction?

We recommend at least one full day of rest following your wisdom teeth removal. A lot of people like to book extractions on a Thursday or Friday, to allow themselves the weekend to fully recover. You’ll probably be a bit sore for a day or two, and should avoid hard or chewy foods for a few days. Avoid smoking, strenuous activity, thorough rinsing and drinking through a straw. As odd as this might be to hear from us, it’s a good idea not to brush for 24 hours following your extraction, as it may contribute to dry socket.

How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?

We ask that you don’t smoke the day of your wisdom teeth extraction. This is because smoking is very likely to lead to dry socket. Dry socket is the absence or dislodging of the natural blood clot over the site of extraction. It leaves the bone and nerves under the gum exposed, and can be very painful.

 
 
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