Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt

Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt & When to have them Removed

Why wisdom teeth hurt – Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby has highly experienced dentists and staff that have been servicing the local Hornsby community for over 60 years. The team have always been dedicated to providing the highest quality care for you and your family, ensuring your comfort throughout the process of creating lasting, beautiful smiles and have dealt with hundreds of cases over the years of wisdom teeth problems, from impaction to extraction.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals may never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications that necessitate removal. Identifying the signs that you might require wisdom teeth removal is essential for maintaining your oral health and preventing potential problems. Our skilled dental team at Happy Smiles Dentist is here to guide you through this process.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in a person’s mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to develop and are located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws. While some individuals may have all four wisdom teeth, others may have fewer, or even none at all. The eruption of wisdom teeth can sometimes cause issues, such as impaction, overcrowding, or infection, which may necessitate their removal to maintain optimal oral health. In cases where wisdom teeth emerge without complications, they can function as normal molars, assisting in chewing and grinding food.

Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt – Understanding the Discomfort

Understanding the discomfort associated with emerging wisdom teeth is crucial for addressing any potential oral health concerns.

Why do wisdom teeth hurt? The pain experienced during the emergence of wisdom teeth can often be because of the pressure exerted on the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

As wisdom teeth begin to erupt, they can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to move and shift. This movement may lead to crowding or misalignment in the mouth, resulting in discomfort in the jaw. Symptoms that could arise from this displacement include pain, swelling, and stiffness, which may make it challenging to open the jaw and even affect one’s ability to breathe comfortably.

In some cases, wisdom teeth may only partially emerge, leaving a flap of gum tissue covering the tooth. This flap can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to gum infections, further exacerbating the pain and swelling. Impacted wisdom teeth, where the tooth does not have enough space to emerge correctly, can also be a source of discomfort. Impacted teeth may grow at an angle, pressing against other teeth, and potentially causing damage to the surrounding dental structures.

Another factor contributing to the pain associated with wisdom teeth is the inflammation that often accompanies their eruption. The body’s natural immune response can cause the area around the emerging tooth to become inflamed, resulting in redness, tenderness, and swelling. This inflammation can put additional pressure on the nerves in the jaw, exacerbating the pain experienced by the individual.

In some instances, individuals may develop cysts or tumours around impacted wisdom teeth, which can lead to further complications and heightened discomfort. If left untreated, these issues can cause damage to the jawbone and other teeth, making prompt intervention essential.

To alleviate the pain associated with wisdom teeth, it is essential to consult with a dental professional, such as those at Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby, who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options. Solutions may include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, or, in some cases, wisdom teeth extraction to prevent further complications and ensure optimal oral health.

Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt and the Signs You May Need the Removed

When your wisdom teeth align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. This is not always the case however.

The removal of wisdom teeth is necessary when your wisdom teeth are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped (impacted) beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth may take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

Signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed include:

Pain and Discomfort

One of the most common signs that your wisdom teeth may need removal is persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth. This pain may intensify when biting, chewing, or opening your mouth wide.

Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling and inflammation around the area where the wisdom teeth are emerging can also indicate that removal may be necessary. This may be accompanied by redness, tenderness, or even infection.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they can become impacted. Impacted teeth may grow at an angle, causing them to press against other teeth, which can lead to pain and damage.

Overcrowding

In some cases, the growth of wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding, causing misalignment or shifting of surrounding teeth. If this occurs, removal may be recommended to prevent further complications.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

The relative ease at which your dentist or oral surgeon can extract your wisdom teeth depends on the position of the impacted teeth. Your oral health care provider will be able to give you an idea of what to expect during your pre-extraction examination. A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted through the gum can be extracted as easily as any other tooth. However, a wisdom tooth that is underneath the gums and embedded in the jawbone will require an incision into the gums and then removal of the portion of bone that lies over the tooth. A consultation is required to determine what your wisdom teeth removal would involve.

Consultation and Examination

Your dentist at Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby will first assess your dental condition, taking X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether removal is necessary.

Anaesthesia

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. In some cases, IV sedation or general anaesthesia may be recommended, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your personal preferences.

Extraction

Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and remove any bone covering it. The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to make the extraction easier. Once the tooth is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the gum is sutured if necessary.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal surgery can be a crucial aspect of the overall dental care experience. At Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to ensuring that patients are well-informed about the recovery process, allowing for a smooth and comfortable transition back to their daily lives. Wisdom teeth removal, a common dental procedure, is often recommended when these third molars cause discomfort, impaction, infection, or overcrowding. As with any surgical procedure, understanding the post-operative care and recovery guidelines can significantly impact the healing process and help prevent complications.

Pain Management

Following the procedure, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Your dentist will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to help manage the pain.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after wisdom teeth removal. Applying ice packs to the affected area in 20-minute intervals can help reduce swelling.

Rest and Recovery

Plan to take it easy for a few days after the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities that could dislodge blood clots or cause bleeding. Elevate your head while resting to minimise swelling.

Oral Care

Maintain good oral hygiene, being gentle around the extraction site. Avoid using straws, smoking, or rinsing vigorously, as these actions can disrupt the healing process.

Follow-Up Care

Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the healing process is progressing smoothly.

Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt and when to See Happy Smiles Dentist Team

At Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality dental care, including wisdom teeth removal, for our patients in Hornsby and the surrounding areas. If you suspect you may need your wisdom teeth removed or are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team.

Our team are committed to providing the highest standard of care throughout the entire process of having your wisdom teeth removed. Remember, timely intervention can prevent further complications and help maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.

Mt Colah
Wahroonga
Waitara
Hornsby Heights
Hornsby
Asquith
Pymble
Normanhurst
Pennant Hills

Enquire Now

Contact Us

Looking to book an appointment or just want some more information? Contact us to see how we can help you today.

(02) 9477 1803
info@happysmilesdentist.com.au
Opening Hours
Monday 8:30am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am to 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am to 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
Join Us on Facebook

Servicing: Asquith Dentist, Hornsby Dentist, Hornsby Heights Dentist, Mt Colah Dentist, Wahroonga Dentist, Waitara Dentist,