Wisdom Teeth
What are wisdom teeth?
Adults have a maximum of 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through (erupt) at the back of the mouth, usually between ages of 18 and 22, although sometimes they may appear early or many years later.
These days people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth, with some mouths only having room for 28 teeth (or less). If all other teeth are present and healthy, there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.
Do they always cause problems?
No. If there is sufficient room for them in the mouth, they can satisfactorily stay there. But, if the gum gets sore, or if they are tilted (impacted) and infections tend to occur under the gum flap over them, then it may be better to extract them.
What problems can this cause?
If there is not enough room, the wisdom tooth may partly erupt and become stuck (impacted) against the tooth in front, or the jaw behind. These areas are often difficult to keep clean and the tooth can decay rapidly or the gums can become infected and swollen.
But sometimes the soreness gets better?
When the wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth, they often hurt a little. This is not too bad and usually goes away when the tooth is fully erupted into the mouth. A sort of “teething pain” in adults.
What can I do to help the soreness?
A mouthwash of hot water with a teaspoon of salt will help to relieve the swelling. Test the hot water with your finger to make sure it is not too hot. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen tablets will ease the pain and can be used every 4-6 hours for a few days.
What if this does not help?
If the pain does not go away or if it becomes difficult to open your mouth, then you should see your dentist who will usually clean the infected area and perhaps prescribe an antibiotic for you.
What if the same problem starts up again after a few weeks?
If the same tooth continues to be troublesome, the dentist may advise that it is taken out.
Are X-rays needed?
The dentist will generally take X-rays to see in which direction the roots lie and how the tooth sits in relation to the tooth in front.
Do I have to have my wisdom teeth out?
Most people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and therefore do not need to have them out.
However, if you have decay, or if the gums keep getting infected, then your dentist may advise that it is best to have the wisdom teeth removed.
Some wisdom teeth that are not causing pain may harbour other potential problems and your dentist may advise their removal.
Are wisdom teeth difficult to remove?
It all depends on the position and root shape. Your dentist will be able to give you an indication after looking at the X-rays.
Upper wisdom teeth are usually straightforward and, if these are biting on the gum over your lower teeth, your dentist may prefer to take these out first to see if all the problems go away.
Who takes wisdom teeth out?
Your own dentist may extract your wisdom teeth if it is necessary, or if likely to be particularly difficult to remove, may refer you to a specialist dentist, known as an Oral Surgeon, who works in practice or a general hospital.
Will it make any difference to my face or mouth?
Removing wisdom teeth may produce some swelling of the face for a few days and you may experience some difficulty in opening your mouth also for a few days. Once the area is healed, there will be no difference to your face or appearance. Your mouth will feel more comfortable and less crowded, especially if the teeth are impacted.
What about lower wisdom teeth?
These are more often impacted and tend to give more trouble than top ones. A local anaesthetic in the gum, numbing the area around the tooth is usually used. For more difficult cases, your dentist might arrange for it to be done under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic where you would be unconcious. At hospital, you would generally be admitted for a few hours (a day case), or occasionally for a couple of days. It all depends on the teeth and what is recommended in your particular case.
back to information for patients >
Adults have a maximum of 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through (erupt) at the back of the mouth, usually between ages of 18 and 22, although sometimes they may appear early or many years later.
These days people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth, with some mouths only having room for 28 teeth (or less). If all other teeth are present and healthy, there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.
Do they always cause problems?
No. If there is sufficient room for them in the mouth, they can satisfactorily stay there. But, if the gum gets sore, or if they are tilted (impacted) and infections tend to occur under the gum flap over them, then it may be better to extract them.
What problems can this cause?
If there is not enough room, the wisdom tooth may partly erupt and become stuck (impacted) against the tooth in front, or the jaw behind. These areas are often difficult to keep clean and the tooth can decay rapidly or the gums can become infected and swollen.
But sometimes the soreness gets better?
When the wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth, they often hurt a little. This is not too bad and usually goes away when the tooth is fully erupted into the mouth. A sort of “teething pain” in adults.
What can I do to help the soreness?
A mouthwash of hot water with a teaspoon of salt will help to relieve the swelling. Test the hot water with your finger to make sure it is not too hot. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen tablets will ease the pain and can be used every 4-6 hours for a few days.
What if this does not help?
If the pain does not go away or if it becomes difficult to open your mouth, then you should see your dentist who will usually clean the infected area and perhaps prescribe an antibiotic for you.
What if the same problem starts up again after a few weeks?
If the same tooth continues to be troublesome, the dentist may advise that it is taken out.
Are X-rays needed?
The dentist will generally take X-rays to see in which direction the roots lie and how the tooth sits in relation to the tooth in front.
Do I have to have my wisdom teeth out?
Most people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and therefore do not need to have them out.
However, if you have decay, or if the gums keep getting infected, then your dentist may advise that it is best to have the wisdom teeth removed.
Some wisdom teeth that are not causing pain may harbour other potential problems and your dentist may advise their removal.
Are wisdom teeth difficult to remove?
It all depends on the position and root shape. Your dentist will be able to give you an indication after looking at the X-rays.
Upper wisdom teeth are usually straightforward and, if these are biting on the gum over your lower teeth, your dentist may prefer to take these out first to see if all the problems go away.
Who takes wisdom teeth out?
Your own dentist may extract your wisdom teeth if it is necessary, or if likely to be particularly difficult to remove, may refer you to a specialist dentist, known as an Oral Surgeon, who works in practice or a general hospital.
Will it make any difference to my face or mouth?
Removing wisdom teeth may produce some swelling of the face for a few days and you may experience some difficulty in opening your mouth also for a few days. Once the area is healed, there will be no difference to your face or appearance. Your mouth will feel more comfortable and less crowded, especially if the teeth are impacted.
What about lower wisdom teeth?
These are more often impacted and tend to give more trouble than top ones. A local anaesthetic in the gum, numbing the area around the tooth is usually used. For more difficult cases, your dentist might arrange for it to be done under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic where you would be unconcious. At hospital, you would generally be admitted for a few hours (a day case), or occasionally for a couple of days. It all depends on the teeth and what is recommended in your particular case.
back to information for patients >
