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Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are molars which are the last adult teeth to develop in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth — 1 in each corner.

They usually start to appear in gums in late teens, early twenties, but it can also be quite common to appear later. By this time, there are already 28 adult teeth in the mouth and so the development of wisdom teeth can often be impacted by restricted space, causing problems as they grow. Wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted.

When to see a Envisage Dental West Moors dentist

Impacted wisdom teeth don't always cause symptoms. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth or causes other dental problems, you may experience some of these signs or symptoms:

Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Jaw pain
Swelling around the jaw
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth

As with any teeth problems, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to book an appointment at Envisage Dental West Moors to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

What can I do to help relieve the discomfort of wisdom teeth?

A mouthwash of medium-hot water with a teaspoonful of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. Swish the salt water around the tooth, trying to get into the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Do this several times a day.

An antibacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can also reduce the inflammation. Pain-relieving tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be useful in the short term, but talk to us at Envisage Dental West Moors if the pain continues.

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are impacted but not causing any problems, you don't usually need to be remove them. This is because there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to several problems in the mouth:

  • Damage to other teeth. If the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in that area. This pressure can also cause problems with crowding of the other teeth or require orthodontic treatment to straighten other teeth.
  • Cysts. The wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. The sac can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth and nerves.
  • Decay. Partially impacted wisdom teeth appear to be at higher risk of tooth decay than other teeth. This probably occurs because wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because food and bacteria get easily trapped between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
  • Gum disease. The difficulty cleaning impacted, partially erupted wisdom teeth increases the risk of developing a painful, inflammatory gum disease in that area.

Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics, antiseptic mouthwash and a good oral hygiene regime.

Wisdom teeth removal is very common, but usually only recommended when other treatments haven't worked.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

If your Envisage Dental West Moors dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, they'll take an X-ray of your mouth to help them determine who should carry out the procedure. Your dentist may remove your wisdom teeth, or they may refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital treatment.

Before the operation, we’ll fully explain the procedure to you.

A local anaesthetic injection is usually given to numb the area around the tooth. You'll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth.

A small cut in the gum is sometimes necessary, and the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before it's removed.

It takes anything from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or sometimes even longer, to remove a wisdom tooth.

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may have swelling and discomfort, both inside and outside your mouth. Occasionally, some mild bruising is also visible. This is usually improves after 3 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. If this continues for longer, or progresses, please get in touch with the team at Envisage Dental West Moors as soon as possible.

Prevention

You can't keep an impaction from occurring but keeping your regular dental appointments for cleaning and reviews enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may indicate impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, or are experiencing any pain, give us a call on 01202 871053.

Dentist

Rami Abu Farha

Rami has been with Envisage West Moors since 2020, he brings with him a wealth of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry. With a calm and gentle approach, Rami’s key focus is developing effective treatment programs with patients suffering from periodontal disease, tooth decay and TMJ. As our leading Invisalign provider, Rami has helped make over the smile of many satisfied patients,...

Rami Abu Farha
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Envisage Dental West Moors. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

775 Reviews

5.0

19th November 2024

Very friendly staff

19th November 2024

Easy to check in and pleasant reception staff. Everything was explained and easily understood.

16th November 2024

Superb members of all the staff which I met . No rush , they listened carefully to my requirements & advice needed .I felt comfortable & at ease during all the time of my visit .I happily recommend the practice to all who need .

13th November 2024

All members of staff are very friendly and accommodating. Both the hygienist (Jo) and dentist (Rami) appointment I have had in the last few days were very informative and gentle, I also felt that I was listened to and action was taken when I had a concern over one of my teeth.

13th November 2024

Overall professional approach by everyone.

12th November 2024

My dentist made sure I was comfortable & let me know what was happening throughout the treatment. I’m a nervous patient & was put totally at ease.

11th November 2024

Everyone kind and make you feel relaxed

7th November 2024

The team at WestMoores clinic are very helpful, thoughtful, friendly, nothing is too much trouble! They are a great team! I would love to be a patient here myself, but unfortunately they don't accept nhs adult patients. But i will continue to bring my 3 children, who the team are fantastic with.

7th November 2024

Staff on reception are really lovely, easy to speak to. Rammi is a brilliant dentist and Amy is a great hygienist.

5th November 2024

Very competent dental practitioner.

1st November 2024

Good experience. V friendly and professional staff

30th October 2024

Very efficient and friendly

27th October 2024

My recent visit to Amie the Hygienist and Sevi for a dental check up was just wonderful, such kind and thoroughly professional members of your staff plus Elena on Reception all make me feel safe and at ease, at all times, best dental practice ever! Thank you all!

25th October 2024

Having been a customer for over 30 years

25th October 2024

everyone us so helpful, Aimee us incredible and Katie is s great addition

25th October 2024

I was fitted in at short notice for the inspection to support a letter from my dentist regarding dental fitness for undergoing a forthcoming heart operation. My dentist was supportive and understanding and conducted the examination efficiently and with an x ray. The letter was delivered later that day.

23rd October 2024

Excellent staff, very friendly and professional. All treatment is explained and questions are invited. The hygienist is very observant.

19th October 2024

Every aspect was top class

18th October 2024

The whole team - from the receptionist to the hygienist, Sima, and then on to the dentist along with the dental nurses are all warm and welcoming making me feel confident and reassured that I am receiving the best possible treatment.

17th October 2024

My daughters needs were listened to prior to the appointment and she was made to feel comfortable throughout

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