Do you notice pressure on your teeth or pain at the back of your mouth? These could be signs of problematic wisdom teeth, and they should be evaluated by your dentist in Alstonville as soon as possible.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and What Can Go Wrong?
Wisdom teeth, sometimes called third molars, come in years after your adult teeth, commonly in the late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side and up to four altogether.
These teeth serve no purpose and don’t contribute to the smile's aesthetics.
Here are a few things that can go wrong when these teeth erupt:
- Partial Eruption: Partial eruption or impaction puts you at risk for an oral infection. You may feel a bit of the tooth emerging, but there is insufficient space in the arch for full eruption.
- Tooth Encroachment: When there is insufficient space on the jawbone, your wisdom teeth can push on other teeth, leading to pain and oral health issues.
- Infection and Decay: Wisdom teeth are hard to brush and floss efficiently because they are so far back in the mouth. Eventually, you may develop decay or a wisdom tooth infection, which can cause pain and swelling.
Gentle Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Alstonville, NSW
We aim to provide gentle wisdom tooth extraction for our valued patients. This can include sedation dentistry options, such as:
- Nitrous Oxide
- Conscious Sedation
- Oral Medication Sedation
- Sleep Dentistry (IV)
Your dentist can use one or more of these options to help make your treatment more straightforward.
Wisdom tooth removal may be simple or surgical, depending on factors such as impaction and tooth root position. In either case, we are here to provide compassionate care that caters to your comfort and relaxation.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After tooth extraction, your dentist provides instructions for at-home care. These directions can vary slightly depending on the type of extraction and the complexity of your case.
Typically, aftercare instructions cover the following:
- Not chewing on the extraction side for a day or two
- Eating a soft food diet for a day or two
- Avoiding tobacco and drinking straws for a few days
If the dentist recommends medication or specific at-home treatments, be sure to take medications on time and follow all instructions. If you have questions during your recovery, we encourage you to call us.
Would You Like to Arrange a Wisdom Tooth Consultation?
To learn more about our treatments and services or to book a consultation with the dentist, we welcome your call today on (02) 6406 9141. You can also book online.
Remember to check out our current dental specials, and we are always happy to welcome new patients!