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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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 01202 871488.

Meet the team

Sue Walker

Dentist

GDC NO. 64514

Dr. Tom Rowland

Dentist

GDC NO. 279282

Sarah Mussell

Dentist

GDC NO. 251312

Rebecca Jones

Dentist

GDC NO. 81893

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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 Envisage Dental Ferndown. 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

1172 Reviews

5.0

8th December 2024

Everything went like clockwork…….as usual

7th December 2024

Efficient and friendly.

7th December 2024

All staff very attentive and listened to my needs. Never felt rushed or felt that I was asking stupid questions.

6th December 2024

The staff are professional, friendly and efficient

3rd December 2024

As a very nervous patient I am always treated with the utmost consideration

30th November 2024

Friendly helpful staff and car parking available

28th November 2024

The experience was efficient.

27th November 2024

I have been coming to the ferndown dentists for the past 35 Years, always felt reassured and confident and safe.

24th November 2024

Relaxed atmosphere and caring staff.

21st November 2024

Have been using this dentist for quite a while. Treatment excellent both dentist and hygienist . They always explain any problems and they really look after my teeth in a kind and comfortable manner. Have already recommended to friends who are also delighted with their service.

20th November 2024

Efficiency of practice and very friendly staff

13th November 2024

Very professional and friendly staff all round. Easy to explain teeth problems if necessary. The only nuisance occasionally is that the car park is very restrictive and sometimes full on arrival.

12th November 2024

I am put at ease and feel confident that they are giving one the best advice and treatment.

12th November 2024

Very satisfied

10th November 2024

My experience was great due dentist,nurse,reception staff being very friendly and helpful. Dentist explained everything she was doing and put me at ease. I was recommended to Envisage as I was new to the area, very pleased I was.

9th November 2024

Friendly and highly efficient and knowledgeable staff

9th November 2024

Everyone from Reception staff to Dentist were relaxed and friendly. I was put on a cancellation list and received a phone call to bring my appointment forward on every occasion.

7th November 2024

Efficient service, courtesy and understanding of required treatment. Clean and comfortable waiting room - full treatment to yet receive!

6th November 2024

Staff at this practice are always very friendly, helpful and efficient.

6th November 2024

Clean, efficient, professional with extra care and friendliness. Total trust

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