Wisdom Teeth: Signs You May Need Them Removed

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be a Problem

• Pain or tenderness at the very back of your jaw
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums around a partly erupted tooth
• A bad taste or persistent bad breath
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Jaw stiffness or headaches
• Food and plaque trapped around a tooth you can’t clean properly
• Crowding or shifting of your other teeth

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Trouble

Often there simply isn’t enough room. A wisdom tooth may come through at an angle, only partly emerge, or stay trapped under the gum (impacted). A partly erupted tooth is hard to clean, so bacteria can collect and cause infection. In some cases, a wisdom tooth can damage the tooth in front of it.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If a tooth has room, comes through straight and can be cleaned properly, it may be fine to monitor.

What Happens at Your Appointment

We’ll examine the area and usually take an X-ray to see the position of the teeth and roots. From there, we’ll explain whether the best option is to monitor, treat an infection, or remove the tooth. If a case is complex, for example when a tooth is deeply impacted, we’ll talk you through the next steps, which may include referral to an oral surgeon.

Recovery Tips After Removal

Follow the instructions we give you, but in general:

• Rest for the first day and avoid strenuous activity.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to help with swelling.
• Stick to soft foods and avoid very hot drinks at first.
• Avoid smoking, spitting and drinking through a straw for the first few days, as these can disturb the healing site.
• Take pain relief as directed on the packaging or by your dentist.

Contact us if pain gets worse after a few days, if swelling keeps increasing or if you have a fever.