It’s a common myth that you only need one wisdom tooth. In fact, all adults have four – but sometimes they don’t all develop at the same time.
If you’re suffering from toothache, don’t panic! A visit to the dentist could actually save you pain and suffering. But first you’ll need to know when it’s safe to go to the dentist.
Wisdom teeth can appear at any time in life. They usually grow in at around 17 or 18 years old, but they can start growing at any time in life, up to 21 years old.
They are often the last teeth to erupt and appear at the back of your jaw. You might notice one or two of your teeth have stopped growing, which is normal.
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars or the “wisdom teeth”. These molars are usually not very painful until they start to emerge from their gum tissue. But if they don’t erupt correctly, they can cause problems such as toothaches or abscesses.
First things first. It’s important to see your dentist to find out why you’re in pain. This could be because you have an abscess or something else that needs treating.
If your dentist thinks you’re experiencing pain caused by your wisdom teeth, they’ll need to extract them to stop the problem. But what if your wisdom teeth are already in place and causing pain?
This is where you’ll need to speak to your dentist about your options. Your dentist may be able to prevent your wisdom teeth from causing pain by extracting them before they start to emerge.
The most common problem is infection, which can lead to pus being released in your mouth. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can be treated with a simple dentist appointment.
Other problems include:
If you think you might have a wisdom tooth problem, please visit your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can perform a routine examination to determine whether there’s any issues.
If you want to get rid of your wisdom teeth, you can safely get them removed. This will relieve any pressure the tooth puts on surrounding teeth and gums. It’s a common procedure, but it can be performed under general anaesthetic.
You can ask your dentist to extract your wisdom teeth.
This is a common procedure and can be performed under local anaesthetic. A dentist will examine your mouth and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The dentist will then numb the area around the wisdom tooth using an injection. Once the area has been numbed, the dentist will carefully remove your wisdom tooth. You will need to take the day off work.
Once the tooth has been extracted, your dentist will give you a prescription to take antibiotics to prevent infection and pain. You should expect some bleeding and swelling in the mouth for a few days after the procedure.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth or your own wisdom tooth situation, please book an appointment at your local dental clinic.
Most people visit their dentist once or twice a year. If you notice any changes in your teeth or notice your tooth ache, you should see your dentist right away. You could have tooth decay or a cavity. You may also need a filling or a crown.
Make sure you’re also taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. If you’re worried about the colour of your teeth, speak to your dentist about a whitening treatment.