What do you do when wisdom teeth start to hurt? If they’re impacted, that might be a difficult question to answer. The pain of impacted wisdom teeth can be unbearable. But don’t worry – there are ways to stop it from hurting.

This blog post will explain what impacted wisdom teeth are, and we’ll also discuss some of the best ways to deal with impacted wisdom teeth pain. Read on to learn more!

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, growing in during the late teenage years or early twenties, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re called wisdom teeth because they come in around the time when you’re old enough to start making wise decisions.

Most people have four wisdom teething growing at the back of the mouth; two on the bottom and two on the upper part. Then again, there are those who congenitally lack one or more wisdom teeth.

For most people, wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems. They grow in just like any other tooth and don’t require special treatment. However, some people have wisdom teeth that become impacted, causing pain.

Possible Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

A variety of factors can cause wisdom tooth pain. These include:

Impaction

When wisdom teeth become impacted, the teeth are stuck beneath the gum line and can’t erupt through the gums like they’re supposed to. This can happen for different reasons, but it’s usually because of a lack of space or there isn’t enough room inside the mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in.

Impaction may also occur when the wisdom tooth grows in at a wrong angle and becomes lodged against the tooth in front of it. This can cause the gum tissue to become irritated and inflamed.

Impacted wisdom teeth may not have any symptoms at first. However, as they continue to grow and try to force their way in, impacted wisdom teeth can damage the adjacent teeth or even lead to infection. The most common symptoms are swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Gum Inflammation

If the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth becomes inflamed, it can put pressure on the tooth and cause pain.

Infection

Another possible cause of wisdom tooth pain is infection. If food particles become trapped in the wisdom tooth crevices, they can lead to tooth decay or abscesses, which attract bacteria. When bacteria infect the wisdom tooth, it can cause swelling, fever, and pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection

A common wisdom tooth complication is infection. Also called pericoronitis, wisdom tooth infection occurs when the tooth erupts partially through the gums. This leaves an opening where food particles and bacteria can become trapped, leading to infection.

Wisdom tooth infection symptoms can vary but may include:

• Severe pain in your mouth or jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Swelling around your wisdom tooth or in your jaw
• Redness or inflammation in your gums around the wisdom tooth
• A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
• A pus-filled abscess on your gums or around the wisdom tooth
• Lymph nodes in the neck may also become swollen

If a wisdom tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to other teeth, jaws, and even the bloodstream. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and wisdom tooth removal.

How to Find Relief from Painful Wisdom Tooth Using Home Remedies

Impacted wisdom teeth can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. The discomfort can be incredibly debilitating, making it difficult to eat, speak, or sleep. While there are a variety of treatments available from your dentist, there are also several natural home remedies that can help ease the pain.

• Cold Compress:
  One simple home remedy is to apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Do this for 20 minutes each time. This can help to numb the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Pain Medication:
  Another home remedy is to take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This can help to reduce inflammation and soreness.
• Salt Water:
  You can also try gargling with a salt water rinse, which can help reduce swelling and pain. The recipe calls for half a teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water.
• Homeopathic Remedies:
  Some homeopathic remedies can effectively treat wisdom tooth pain. These remedies include chamomile, lavender, and echinacea. To use these remedies, add a few drops of the essential oil to a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
• Chew on Garlic:
  Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. Chewing on garlic can help ease wisdom tooth pain by reducing inflammation.
• Use cloves:
  Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that may help numb the pain and reduce inflammation caused by wisdom teeth. Apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it over the wisdom tooth. After 5-15 minutes, remove the cotton ball with clove oil and throw it away.

These home remedies are not long-term solutions. While these won’t completely eliminate wisdom tooth pain, they can help make it more bearable. It’s still important to consult a dental professional to find out the available treatments to ease your wisdom tooth pain. In some cases, they may recommend wisdom tooth removal if necessary.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

One way to find relief from a painful wisdom tooth is to have them checked by a qualified dentist. They will tell you whether or not your wisdom tooth needs to be removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical, dental procedure that involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars.

A dentist typically performs the wisdom teeth removal procedure under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the number of wisdom teeth being removed and the patient’s medical history.

After the wisdom teeth have been removed, the area will be closed with stitches. Recovery from the removal of wisdom teeth typically takes a few days to a week. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common and should resolve within a week or two. Eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain relief medication can help with discomfort during recovery.

Most people do not experience problems after wisdom tooth removal, but some may develop dry sockets, infections, or other complications.

If My Wisdom Tooth Is Not Painful, Do I Need Them Removed?

One common question that is often asked is whether or not wisdom tooth removal is necessary if the wisdom teeth are not causing pain. The simple answer is that it depends on the individual case.

Many people think wisdom tooth removal is necessary simply because wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean and can become impacted. However, if your wisdom teeth are not causing you any pain or problems, there is no reason to have them removed.

Wisdom teeth removal is a major dental surgery that carries a risk of complications, so it should only be done if there is a clear benefit. If your wisdom teeth are not causing you any pain or problems, the best thing to do is to just leave them alone.

However, for others, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, even if they do not initially cause pain. Wisdom teeth that come in at an awkward angle can push on other teeth, causing them to become crooked or crowded. They can also trap food debris and bacteria, leading to cavities and gum disease.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove wisdom teeth should be made by a qualified dentist who can assess the individual case.

Are There Possible Complications with Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is typically a safe and routine oral surgery. However, as with any procedure, there are always potential complications that could arise. These postoperative complications are rare, and most people experience a smooth and successful surgery.

Damage to Nearby Teeth

This can happen if the dentist isn’t careful when removing the wisdom tooth. Damage occurs when they accidentally cuts or chips a nearby tooth. However, this is rare and can usually be avoided by choosing an experienced dentist.

Dry Socket

A dry socket is a condition that can occur after wisdom tooth removal. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket after surgery dissolves or is dislodged. This can cause pain and inflammation. Dry socket is more common in smokers.

To avoid dry sockets, it’s important to follow all postoperative instructions, such as not smoking and avoiding hard or crunchy foods. If you develop a dry socket, your dentist may prescribe a medicated rinse or place a dressing in the tooth socket to promote healing.

Infection

This can occur when bacteria enter the tooth extraction site and is a rare but serious complication of wisdom tooth removal. It can cause fever, swelling, and pain. If you develop these symptoms, you must see your dentist immediately.

To reduce the risk of infection, it’s important to follow all postoperative instructions, such as taking antibiotics and keeping the area clean. An oral surgery procedure may sometimes be necessary to remove infected tissue.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is a rare but possible complication of wisdom tooth removal. This can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or cheeks. In most cases, this sensation goes away within a few months. However, in rare cases, it may be permanent.

Sinus Injury

Because wisdom teeth are located near the sinuses, there is a small risk of damaging the sinus during surgery. This happens because the sinuses are so close to the surface of the bone in this area. In most cases, this damage is minor and heals on its own. However, in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the sinus.

Can You Prevent a Wisdom Tooth Impaction?

Wisdom tooth impaction is a natural occurrence and you may not be able to stop it from happening. However, there are a few things you can do to monitor the development of your wisdom tooth to see if it is impacted. This will allow you to avoid pain as much as possible.

You can do a few things to reduce pain with impacted wisdom teeth. Here are some of them:

• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. This will help keep your mouth healthy and free of debris that could cause infection.
• See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will be able to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and take action if necessary.
• Have them removed before they cause problems.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will help keep your teeth and gums strong and promote good oral health.

Following these simple tips can help prevent wisdom tooth impaction and keep your smile healthy and bright. However, impacted wisdom teeth will still need removal even if it doesn’t cause you any pain.

When to See a Dentist

If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain or swelling, you must see a dentist for treatment as soon as possible. Wisdom teeth pain can be caused by several factors, including crowding, impaction, or bacterial infection.

A dentist can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best course of dental treatment. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth pain can be unbearable, but there are ways to ease the pain. If you’re in pain and want relief, please book a dental consultation with one of our friendly dentists. You may do so via our website or call us at (08) 9515 4804.

Our team of experienced dentists at Maylands Dental Centre will work with you to find a customised treatment plan that eases your wisdom teeth pain as quickly as possible.