Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Thanks to modern medicine, wisdom tooth extraction is a very straight-forward and largely pain free procedure. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom tooth, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist who will assess whether or not it needs to be removed.

Dr Victor Vidigal, our Dental Surgeon at Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, has answered some of your frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth and their extraction.

Q: What is a wisdom tooth?

A: Most adults have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. Your wisdom teeth are the last to arrive in your mouth. They are often referred to as third molars.

Q: When do wisdom teeth appear?

A: Wisdom teeth typically erupt after the body has finished its development, usually between the ages of 18 and 24.

Q: Does everybody get wisdom teeth?

A: The number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, and in some cases, they may not appear at all.

Q: Can wisdom teeth be painful?

A: It is common for wisdom teeth to cause some discomfort and pain, mainly due to a lack of space in the mouth. Not all wisdom teeth will cause issues. Where pain arises, however, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Where there is not sufficient room, the wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle or only partially push through the gum. This is what is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.

Q: How will I know if there is a problem with my wisdom teeth?

A: Signs and symptoms of a problem tooth can include:

• Swollen and tender gums
• Pain when biting, chewing or swallowing.
• Soreness at the back of the mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Sleep disturbance

Q: Do all wisdom teeth have to be extracted?

A: No, not all wisdom teeth need removing. When wisdom teeth become a problem, however, your dentist will usually advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief and to prevent future problems.

Q: What can I do to ease wisdom tooth pain?

A: Rinsing the mouth with hot salt water or a medicated mouthwash such as Corsodyl can help reduce bacteria in the gums and thus tackle the source of pain. Alternatively, your pharmacist may recommend an over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen, or a numbing dental gel to help ease initial discomfort.

Q: Can I prepare for the arrival of wisdom teeth?

A: Although it is impossible to stop wisdom teeth coming through, maintaining a good oral health routine will help to prevent infection. Ideally, you should brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and try to avoid sugary snacks.

Q: What will happen during wisdom tooth extraction?

A: Before the procedure, the patient is usually given a local/general anaesthetic or sedation to numb the area around the tooth. The main aim is to safely remove the tooth, while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.

While the procedure is mostly pain-free, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days after the tooth has been removed.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe you with pain relief and an antibiotic if necessary to ensure the days post surgery are as comfortable as possible.

Q: What happens if I choose to not have my wisdom tooth extracted?

A: If left untreated, some problematic wisdom teeth can eventually lead to further issues, such as:

• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Cysts
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Jaw problems

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie