What you should know about Wisdom Teeth and Pain

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the back of the mouth, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but often cause problems that require treatment.

Problems associated with wisdom teeth:

1. Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow normally, they can become affected. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. They are also associated with cysts and tumours.
2. Crowding of teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the other teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems.
3. Gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean correctly, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
4. Decay: Wisdom teeth can develop cavities or decay, leading to infection and pain.
5. Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of a partially erupted tooth, often caused by the accumulation of bacteria and food debris under the gum flap. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
6. Infections: Wisdom teeth can become infected if bacteria enter the surrounding tissue, causing pain, swelling, and fever.

Treatment options for problems associated with wisdom teeth:

1. Antibiotics: If the wisdom teeth are infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection. This treatment is usually only temporary and will not solve the underlying problem. Metronidazole is a common Antibiotic we prescribe
2. Removing the operculum: The operculum is the tissue flap covering partially erupted wisdom teeth. If this tissue is causing pain or infection, it may need to be removed. Quick and easy
3. Removing other teeth: Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause crowding or misalignment of the other teeth. In this case, other teeth may need to be removed to make room for the wisdom teeth to come in properly. And not as frightening as you think
4. Coronectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the overlying gum tissue and bone to expose the crown of a partially erupted tooth. This can help to prevent pericoronitis and other complications associated with partially erupted teeth. On the island, this can be completed in Surgery or under a general anaesthetic
5. Extraction: In cases where the wisdom teeth are causing significant pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, they may need to be extracted. This is usually done under local anaesthesia; patients can expect discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure. Ice packs and pain medication can help to alleviate these symptoms.

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems that require treatment. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort associated with your wisdom teeth, it is important to see a dentist; we are always happy to help and advise. Treatment options may include antibiotics, removing the operculum, removing other teeth, coronectomy, or extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you determine which treatment option is best for your situation.

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for managing dental problems, including pericoronitis. According to NICE guidelines, the initial treatment for pericoronitis should include the removal of any debris from the affected area and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed if necessary. If the symptoms persist, antibiotics may be recommended.

In general, the decision to remove wisdom teeth will depend on several factors, including the number of episodes of pericoronitis, the severity of the symptoms, and the position of the wisdom teeth. There is no specific number of attacks of pericoronitis that would automatically lead to a recommendation for removal, as each case is unique.

However, if a patient experiences frequent episodes of pericoronitis that are not adequately managed with conservative treatment or if there is evidence of damage to surrounding teeth or gums, a referral for removal may be considered.

It is important to note that the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made individually, considering the patient’s overall health, dental history, and preferences.Always happy to discuss all options .

Quick Tips re Wisdom Teeth and pain – Pericoronitis the most common problem we see at Tracey Bell 

Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, and it commonly occurs with wisdom teeth. If you have pericoronitis, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate the symptoms:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: This can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
2. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and gently clean around the affected area to remove any food particles or debris contributing to the problem.
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. 1 G of Paracetamol and 600 Mg Ibuprofen is an excellent combination taken every 6 Hours
4. Systemic fever, pallor, swelling in the neck, and difficulty opening the mouth contact an emergency dentist immediately

However, it is essential to note that these measures are only temporary and do not address the underlying problem.

In surgery, we will discuss the following options; the treatment for pericoronitis may include the following:

1. Cleaning the affected area: The dentist or oral surgeon will remove any debris or bacteria contributing to the inflammation.
2. Antibiotics: If the infection is severe, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up.
3. Flap removal: If the pericoronitis is caused by a flap of gum tissue covering the tooth, the dentist may need to remove it.
4. Extraction: If the wisdom tooth is causing repeated episodes of pericoronitis, the dentist may recommend removing it to prevent further problems.

In some cases, we may recommend a combination of these treatments to address the pericoronitis fully.

After 30 years in practice we have treated all types of wisdom tooth issues.

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