What to Do When Your Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

admin — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:44:00 +0000

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Islington

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your jaw. Typically, they begin to emerge between the late teens and early twenties. While many people keep them, their purpose can be somewhat mysterious.

Our ancestors needed these teeth to help chew tough, coarse food. Early humans had larger jaws, which made it easier to accommodate these extra molars.

Normally, an individual may have up to four wisdom teeth – one on each side of both the upper and lower jaws.

However, in rare cases, some people may have additional wisdom teeth, a condition known as hyperdontia, which might require a more complex extraction process.

What Problems Do Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Some people require wisdom teeth extraction in Islington because of dental complications caused by these teeth. Common problems include:

Gum Pain and Inflammation: As wisdom teeth erupt, they can cause gum pain and inflammation.
Jaw Pain: Dull jaw pain and a feeling of pressure can occur. In some cases, significant oral pain may result from inflammation around the tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Infection: The position of wisdom teeth can allow food and bacteria to collect around them, potentially causing infection or an abscess.
Tooth Decay: Cleaning wisdom teeth can be challenging due to their location, which may increase the risk of decay.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These occur when a tooth does not have enough space to emerge or develop normally.

Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

For minor and temporary relief, several measures may help:

Ibuprofen or Paracetamol: Over-the-counter pain relief can help, but always follow the packaging instructions.
Salt-Water Rinses: Gentle warm salt-water rinses can help keep the area clean.
Ice Pack: Applying an ice pack to the outside of the jaw may help reduce pain and swelling.
Soft Foods: Softer foods can make eating more comfortable when the area is sore.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in London with a Specialist

When pain or other problems persist, it is advisable to seek wisdom teeth extraction in Islington with our specialist.

Wisdom teeth do not normally need to be removed if they are healthy and are not causing problems. Removal may be recommended if there is repeated infection, decay, an abscess, gum disease, cyst formation or another problem associated with the tooth.

After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Remember these steps:

After wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon:

Take recommended pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen where suitable.
Eat soft or liquid foods until chewing becomes more comfortable.
Keep the area clean and avoid disturbing the blood clot or stitches.
Use gentle warm salt-water or mouthwash rinses as advised after the procedure.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and hard or crunchy foods while the area heals.

By understanding the potential issues and proper care associated with wisdom teeth, you can better manage any discomfort and take the necessary steps to maintain your oral health. If you’re experiencing severe pain or complications, don’t hesitate to consult with our specialist oral surgeons and dentists in Islington for professional advice and treatment.