Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are molars which are the last adult teeth to develop in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth — 1 in each corner.

They usually start to appear in gums in late teens, early twenties, but it can also be quite common to appear later. By this time, there are already 28 adult teeth in the mouth and so the development of wisdom teeth can often be impacted by restricted space, causing problems as they grow. Wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted.

When to see a Mortiboys Dental Spa dentist

Impacted wisdom teeth don't always cause symptoms. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth or causes other dental problems, you may experience some of these signs or symptoms:

Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Jaw pain
Swelling around the jaw
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth

As with any teeth problems, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to book an appointment at Mortiboys Dental Spa to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

What can I do to help relieve the discomfort of wisdom teeth?

A mouthwash of medium-hot water with a teaspoonful of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. Swish the salt water around the tooth, trying to get into the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Do this several times a day.

An antibacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can also reduce the inflammation. Pain-relieving tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be useful in the short term, but talk to us at Mortiboys Dental Spa if the pain continues.

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are impacted but not causing any problems, you don't usually need to be remove them. This is because there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to several problems in the mouth:

  • Damage to other teeth. If the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in that area. This pressure can also cause problems with crowding of the other teeth or require orthodontic treatment to straighten other teeth.
  • Cysts. The wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. The sac can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth and nerves.
  • Decay. Partially impacted wisdom teeth appear to be at higher risk of tooth decay than other teeth. This probably occurs because wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because food and bacteria get easily trapped between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
  • Gum disease. The difficulty cleaning impacted, partially erupted wisdom teeth increases the risk of developing a painful, inflammatory gum disease in that area.

Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics, antiseptic mouthwash and a good oral hygiene regime.

Wisdom teeth removal is very common, but usually only recommended when other treatments haven't worked.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

If your Mortiboys Dental Spa dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, they'll take an X-ray of your mouth to help them determine who should carry out the procedure. Your dentist may remove your wisdom teeth, or they may refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital treatment.

Before the operation, we’ll fully explain the procedure to you.

A local anaesthetic injection is usually given to numb the area around the tooth. You'll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth.

A small cut in the gum is sometimes necessary, and the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before it's removed.

It takes anything from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or sometimes even longer, to remove a wisdom tooth.

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may have swelling and discomfort, both inside and outside your mouth. Occasionally, some mild bruising is also visible. This is usually improves after 3 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. If this continues for longer, or progresses, please get in touch with the team at Mortiboys Dental Spa as soon as possible.

Prevention

You can't keep an impaction from occurring but keeping your regular dental appointments for cleaning and reviews enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may indicate impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, or are experiencing any pain, give us a call on 01483 281428.

Meet the team

Ranya Kafena

Dentist

GDC NO. 73365

Rajan R Patel

Dentist- practice limited to oral surgery and implants

GDC NO. 80893

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Mortiboys Dental Spa. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

514 Reviews

5.0

4th December 2024

From the lovely welcome on arrival to the courteous and professional service received from all treatment staff over the last 15 + years, I could never go anywhere else. I have moved quite a distance away from the practice but the longer journey is worth it!

3rd December 2024

Lovely DentistSuperb highly skilled pain free hygiene treatmentExcellent reception staffgood parkingcomfortable in and out of treatment areasrelaxed atmosphere

3rd December 2024

Highly dedicated practitioners who are passionate about their work.

29th November 2024

The team are also so friendly and welcoming and really make you feel at ease.

28th November 2024

Excellent experience as was nervous about extraction and the risks and after care were well explained and I was calmed before extraction began (prob also helped that was very quick and painless)

28th November 2024

The fact that I was carefully listened to. That the first dentist I saw referred me for a second opinion sothat no unnecessary treatment took. Place.

22nd November 2024

EXCELLENT SERVICE FROM AMIT AND HIS NURSE KAREN, BOTH WERE VERY ATTENTIVE and listened to all my concerns and gave thorough answers

20th November 2024

Have been a patient for 24 years and already recommended several people to practice all of whom became patients. The team of Raj and Carly inspired confidence and Raj is clearly an excellent surgeon

19th November 2024

Friendly and professional.

16th November 2024

They made me feel quite calm, especially as I am a nervous patient

16th November 2024

Pleasant staff and atmosphere. The whole Holistic experience.

13th November 2024

The team made a huge effort to accommodate my lateness by re shuffling 3 appointments around, for which I am very grateful.

10th November 2024

Show clear and professional knowledge. Up to date equipment for diagnosing and treatments. Friendly staff, all making the time to connect with me first.

DT

Dan Thornton

My first visit to a dental hygienist and was a little anxious but Clare was brilliant and did a first class job on my teeth. It was a very satisfying experience to see and feel just how much they had been cleaned and polished. Clare has a relaxing and good humoured manner and clearly loves her job . I will definitely go more regularly. Dan

6th November 2024

Friendly, helpful, v gentle, effective.

6th November 2024

Everyone makes you feel welcome.

MH

Monica Hawley

First ever visit to a hygienist as I'm a nervous patient, but Clare was excellent at making me feel at ease and did a great job. I will definitely be coming back regularly as my teeth felt great afterwards.

2nd November 2024

The caring and kindness shown is perfect . The environment is very calming and relaxing .

31st October 2024

I have been a patient at Mortiboys for many years, having all kinds of dental work, including teeth cleaning, veneer work, root canal, implants and hygiene. My experience had always been of first class treatments, safety, hygiene and top class outcomes. The staff are friendly, caring and supportive. Staff know me and make me feel welcome and important. I would highly recommend Mortiboys to anyone. Thank you to all.

30th October 2024

Running on time.Very friendly. Treatment and service was what I needed/expected.

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