Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Removal Makes Sense
Published · Dental Stories, Bahawalpur
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually between 17 and 25. Plenty of people keep theirs without trouble. Others get pain, swelling or decay because the tooth has no room. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Why wisdom teeth cause problems
When the jaw has no space, a wisdom tooth can come through only partly or stay stuck under the gum at an angle (impacted). A partly erupted tooth leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect, which can become infected. This is called pericoronitis and causes pain, swelling and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth.
When removal is usually recommended
- Repeated infections around the tooth.
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it that can’t be repaired.
- Gum disease around the back teeth.
- A cyst or other changes seen on an X-ray.
When it may be fine to leave it
A wisdom tooth that has come through straight, can be cleaned and isn’t causing problems often doesn’t need removing. An X-ray helps the dentist see the roots, the angle and how close the tooth is to the nerve before any decision.
What removal involves
A fully erupted wisdom tooth can often be removed like any other tooth under local anaesthetic. An impacted tooth may need a small surgical procedure, where the gum is opened and the tooth is sometimes sectioned. If a case is complex, a referral may be the right choice, and your dentist will explain why.
Recovery
- Bite on the gauze as instructed to help a clot form.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting hard, smoking and straws for the first day.
- Eat soft food and chew on the other side.
- Some swelling and stiffness for a few days is normal.
- Contact the clinic if pain gets worse after day three, or if you have fever or a bad taste.
Get it checked
If a back tooth is hurting, don’t wait for the swelling to spread. Read about tooth extraction at Dental Stories or book online.