Wisdom Teeth Removal

How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removed?

While every patient is different, there are some common signs that indicate the need to have your wisdom teeth removed. These signs include:

• Impaction, i.e., if the tooth is stuck under the gums or is completely hidden. If wisdom teeth aren’t able to emerge normally, they can become trapped within your jaw which an result in infection or cause a cyst that can damage other teeth or roots.
• Changing bite alignment—wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes horizontally, this can cause a change in your bit alignment.
• Crowding or damage to existing teeth caused by wisdom teeth not having enough room to come in properly.
• Emerging only partially—if your wisdom teeth are only partially emerged through the gums it can cause a magnet for bacteria that can cause gum disease and oral infection.

Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at an early age, before the roots and bone are fully formed and when recovery is faster.

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is unable to emerge properly due to a lack of space. The degree of impaction can vary based on the tooth’s position within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction happens when the tooth’s crown has penetrated the bone, but the gum still covers a portion of it. Partially bony impaction occurs when the tooth has partially emerged, but a section remains submerged in the jawbone. Complete bony impaction arises when the tooth is entirely encased by the jawbone.

How do I relieve wisdom tooth pain?

As wisdom teeth grow up through your jawbone and begin to break through your gum line, they may become inflamed or bleed. This can cause headaches or tooth pain. Here are some remedies to relieve wisdom tooth pain:

1. Rinse with saltwater
2. Use peppermint essential oils or clover oil to soothe pain
3. Take aspirin or an over the counter pain reliever
4. Apply an ice pack or heating pad to your cheeks