Wisdom Teeth – Not so Wise

Welcome to the Dental Matters wisdom tooth information page, where you’ll find information about wisdom teeth treatment and wisdom tooth removal.
You might be forgiven for thinking that all your dental problems are over once you have reached your late teens or early twenties as long as you practice good dental hygiene. Unfortunately nature has other ideas, and one of the most common adult dental problems involve wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to break through and they usually erupt between the ages of around 17 and 25, though sometimes even later in life. While often causing nothing more than mild discomfort there are many cases where severe inflammation and infection occurs, causing major discomfort and pain.
Nature gave us a smaller jaw than we once had thousands of years ago, but our teeth either didn’t notice the change or missed the news that day. So sometimes there just isn’t the room for them to break through.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A common scenario is when the impacted wisdom tooth will try to push against the tooth in front of it. This can cause a sensation of pressure and pain as well as possibly damaging the tooth in front. Another scenario is when the lack of space causes the wisdom tooth to grow at an unfavourable angle, irritating the cheek and gums and often leading to painful swelling or ulcerations.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth can sometimes break through on their own, without too much of a problem and without the need for extraction. Any mild pain can often be managed by rinsing the mouth out with warm salt water or antibacterial mouthwash and by taking pain relievers. However, you should always consult with your dentist who can keep an eye on the progress of the tooth and provide treatment if needed. 
Dental Matters in Adelaide will only remove wisdom teeth if necessary and our dentists will explore all other options first. You will be fully informed as to all the options available so that you can make an informed decision regarding your own dental health.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Dentist in Adelaide

At Dental Matters in Adelaide, our dentists are able to remove wisdom teeth professionally and carefully whilst ensuring that you are kept as comfortable and pain free as possible throughout the procedure. 
For more complex issues surrounding wisdom teeth, referral to an oral surgeon will provide you with the best possible management.
With regular dental check-ups we can monitor the progress of any wisdom teeth if you are concerned.

Wisdom Tooth Problems – Home Treatment

If a wisdom tooth is impacted or is emerging and causing problems, schedule an appointment with us at Dental Matters in Adelaide, where we can provide you with the best advice and peace of mind.
While you are waiting for treatment, you can relieve pain and swelling with home treatment.

  • Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Apply it for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
  • Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 2 to 3 hours. You can make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in a medium-sized glass [8 fl oz (240 mL)] of warm water.
  • Do not use heat or put an aspirin directly on your gums. Aspirin used in this way can damage your gums.

Your dentist or surgeon may prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection. Be sure to take this medicine for the entire time prescribed. Sometimes, healing the infection before the tooth is removed makes the extraction procedure easier and will reduce the risk of problems after surgery.