Troublesome wisdom teeth can present in the following ways:
- - Pain or tenderness in your gums or jawbone
- - Bad breath
- - Redness or swelling in your gums
- - An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- - Headaches or jaw ache
Should I have my Wisdom Teeth removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth can become cavitated. Additionally, an impacted wisdom tooth can push on the neighbouring molar which can lead to tooth movement, decay and gum disease. Rarely, impacted teeth can cause cysts or other growths in the jaw.
If your impacted wisdom teeth aren’t causing you problems, it’s sometime best to hold onto them and avoid the risks of surgery. Sometimes, as your wisdom teeth come through, your gums may feel sore or tender for a while. This is quite normal, and isn’t usually a reason for having them removed.
If you do need to have one or two of your wisdom teeth removed, it doesn’t mean that you need to have them all taken out. To conclude, we recommend that you discuss your particular case with your dentist who will be happy to advise you on the best course of action for your wisdom teeth.
If you are having surgery to remove your Wisdom Teeth:
- Stock up on supplies the day before you are due to have the teeth removed. Purchase soft foods like soup, yoghurt, soft fruits and cream cheese. You won’t be able to (or feel like) eating very hard foods or foods that are too hot / cold for at least a day or two after the surgery.
- When lying down or sleeping, elevate your head with a couple of pillows; this will help to reduce swelling.
- Always have some water, painkillers and antibiotics nearby. Plenty of distractions like books, movies and games are also helpful to take your mind off things while you are recovering from surgery.