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What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third, and in most individuals, the last molars found in the upper and lower jaws. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually erupt between the ages of 16 to 21.
The removal of wisdom teeth is the most common surgical procedure carried out in the UK. They are the last teeth to come through. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. However, with evolution, it is becoming more common to have fewer wisdom teeth as they are not absolutely necessary for function as our diets have become more and more refined over the ages.
When wisdom teeth form and move into the mouth, the other adult teeth are usually in place so there isn’t always enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to grow properly. Due to the lack of space, wisdom teeth can often emerge at an awkward angle or out of position completely. Complicated by difficulty in achieving good oral hygiene at the back of the mouth, this may lead to repeated inflammation and infections (pericoronitis), extreme discomfort, swelling, bad breath and restricted mouth opening.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you should make an appointment at Infinitidental Clinic, so we can assess the concern, treat it for you where appropriate and relieve any pain you’re going through. We will check your wisdom and adjacent teeth closely and advise you on the appropriate course of treatment and whether you need to have any of them removed.
Wisdom teeth may suffer with or cause problems in the surrounding structures such as:
- Tooth decay.
- Gum disease.
- Infection the overlying gums resulting in pain and swelling.
- Abscess – gathering of pus in the supporting bone and gum tissue around your wisdom teeth as a result of bacterial infection.
- Cellulitis – a spreading bacterial infection in the cheek, tongue, throat or further afield.
- Affect the neighbouring tooth position.
- Destruction of the surrounding jawbone.
- Formation of associated cysts or tumours around an impacted wisdom tooth.
Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. For many people, they come through normally and they don’t cause any problems or pain. If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problems, but are impacted, you won’t necessarily need to have them taken out. Visit one of our Wimbledon dentists for an opinion if you are concerned.
If we think there’s a high risk of the nerves around your wisdom tooth being damaged, but feel tooth removal is necessary, we may offer you a coronectomy. This is a procedure where the crown of the tooth (top part above the gum) is taken away but some of the root is left in place. This will help to reduce the chances of surrounding nerves being damaged yet deal with the overlying issues associated with the wisdom tooth.
Wisdom tooth surgery
Wisdom tooth surgery is a minor oral surgical procedure that is usually performed with little to no discomfort. This procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Under local anaesthesia, pain from your gums will be blocked, but you will still be awake while your wisdom teeth are being removed. If you are a nervous patient, you may be offered oral sedation alongside local anaesthesia to help you relax. General anaesthesia is reserved for the most difficult or multiple tooth removal cases by referral to the local hospitals, both private and NHS.
During surgery, the overlying gum may need to be relieved by cutting and lifting using special tools to expose the tooth and bone. In the event your dentist cuts into your gum, you will require dissolving stitches to close the wound. Antibiotics are usually prescribed if bone removal is necessary.
After the treatment, some minor bleedings from the wound can be expected, which can be controlled by biting firmly on a piece of damp gauze (provided) placed over the treated area. Facial swelling and discoloration of the overlying skin may develop in the first 72 hours. Painkillers, antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash are usually prescribed after the surgery. You will be directed in how to maintain good oral hygiene following the surgery. We also recommend a soft diet for several days to avoid pressure on the treated area.
Contact Infinitidental Clinic
If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth or if any other teeth at the back of the mouth have painful symptoms, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Infinitidental Clinic today to make an appointment with our experienced dentists.