Back to school tooth care answers for children
31st August 2020
This year, parents are asking a lot of health-related questions as they prepare their children to go back to school.… read more
The thing about wisdom teeth, is that they’re not a problem until they are. Yet because of the location and size of wisdom teeth, they’re more likely to play up than other teeth. If they cause pain, swelling or the dentist tells us they’re impacted, then its better to have those wisdom teeth removed rather than leave them in.
Our wisdom teeth are at the very back of our mouth, and are our third and final set of molars. Most people get two on the top, and two on the bottom. They are the toughest, widest teeth we get so they’re the best for grinding food. It’s just that with evolution our food choices and face shapes have changed so sometimes there’s just not room for them.
They got their name because they usually come in when we’re older, typically between the ages of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth are the last of our adult teeth.
Usually, it becomes quite obvious when our wisdom teeth are coming in. When they do, we may experience some minor pain as the tooth erupts. Your jaw may even ache. Depending on the angle the tooth is coming in at, you may feel it rubbing against your cheek or tongue.
During a routine check, our dentist examines the whole of our mouth and will know if we have healthy wisdom teeth in place. If the teeth have not erupted, an x-ray shows their position and whether they are impacted or not.
While some people experience no problems when their wisdom teeth come in, sometimes they can cause discomfort, pain or swelling.
A particular problem with our wisdom teeth is that they are so far back in our mouth. This means it’s hard to reach them effectively with a normal toothbrush. Consequently, tooth decay can set in, then gum disease and abscesses. To prevent this, it is best to invest in a slim, long-handled toothbrush and brush your wisdom teeth on all the exposed surfaces. Use floss too, as you would on your normal teeth.
An impacted tooth is one that isn’t able to grow into the correct place. It’s alignment means that it grows sideways and pushes against other teeth. Our dentist checks for impacted wisdom teeth and may take x-rays to examine the position.
Swelling associated with wisdom teeth is unpredictable and can be sudden. It can be upsetting too, especially for teenagers, because one side of the face may swell dramatically.
Because of these issues, dentist’s regularly suggest extraction. Often our own dentist can do the extraction, but sometimes a referral to a specialist is necessary.
The ease with which a dentist can remove our wisdom teeth depends on their position and stage of development. A wisdom tooth that has erupted through our gum can be extracted as any other tooth would be. If it is impacted, the dentist has to remove it surgically, making an incision into the gum.
When all four wisdom teeth need to be extracted, usually the dentist or oral surgeon will do the upper and lower tooth on one side first, and when that’s healed up, will do the extractions on the other side. This makes it easier for the patient to eat and drink afterwards.
In some cases, to avoid nerve damage in the lower jaw, the dentist may recommend a coronectomy. This is when the crown of the tooth is removed and the root remains in the jawbone.
The dentist will give you advice about aftercare, and may prescribe or suggest antimicrobials and pain management.
As with any minor surgery, there are some expected after effects. Patients may experience:
Patients should contact their dentist if symptoms persist or worsen, such as:
Swelling that threatens to block airways or bleeding that won’t stop, should be treated as an emergency.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt around the time teenagers and young adults are taking significant exams, preparing to deliver presentations, performing or playing in front of audiences or just being regular teenagers. There’s never a good time to have toothache or a swollen face.
If a teenager is about to take exams, dentists recommend a dental examination well in advance. This means any problem can be handled, so there’s no chance of pain or swelling during exams. Nothing lowers grades as quickly as toothache.
SpaDental Whitchurch dentist is accepting new private patients. A new patient testimonial After the closure of my local dentist in Whitchurch I telephoned Spa Dental who made me an appointment. Unfortunately I had an abscess on my tooth before my appointment date, for which I was given an emergency appointment. I am a very nervous patient and it took a long time to build confidence with my old dentist , therefore my nerves were bad and I…
More TestimonialsKind words from our patients mean a lot to us. Thank you! We're very happy to read reviews that commend the Plymouth team and the dentists "excellent care" and "professional service". Recent patient reviews commend our excellent care: "In safe and caring hands - Without exception the treatment I have received has been outstanding. From the reception staff through each of the individuals involved, their focus is on you and you're fully involved in any…
More TestimonialsWe very much enjoyed reading the lovely Saltash patient reviews we've received in response to our recent request for feedback. On behalf of all the staff, thank you so much for your lovely comments. We sincerely appreciate your kind words, and will also use your recommendations in our planning. SpaDental considers your review comments carefully. We read them all, and use the information we gather to guide our practice so we can keep on improving…
More TestimonialsA very appreciative thank you to our patients from the clinicians and staff at SpaDental Chard. It has been a pleasure reading your comments because if our patients are happy, then we're happy. Feedback about the team and treatment from SpaDental Chard reviews "Everyone in the practice is efficient, professional and knowledgeable." - HCG "5 Star Dental Care - Being in the centre of Chard, [the SpaDental] surgery is easily accessible for most patients. The…
More TestimonialsSpaDental Plymouth sincerely thanks everyone who responds to our request to review the practice. We love reading all your positive comments. That said, we also take on board the suggestions you make. Because we take Plymouth patient reviews seriously, we read them carefully to see if anyone is less than satisfied with their experience and we use that information to guide our practice. Our review rating of 4.7 stars (out of 5) highlights Plymouth patient…
More TestimonialsThis last week we asked our patients who have visited the practice in the last few months to submit their comments online. We truly appreciate your kind comments. Thank you from all of us for your lovely reviews. Read about our new treatment for patients who have breathing difficulties while they're sleeping. Your opinion is important. Amongst other questions, we ask patients whether or not they would recommend the surgery to their family and friends.…
More TestimonialsA glowing testimonial for Dental Surgeon - veneers SpaDental Whitchurch Shropshire. Veneers SpaDental Whitchurch Shropshire "Excellent treatment! Absolutely delighted! Dr Jindal replaced two veneers for me, providing throughout brilliant treatment. He advised me of the options for the veneers and I opted for the better quality ones. The whole process was methodical and precise, keeping me informed step by step during the whole procedure. Great attention to detail was given to myself and the implants…
More TestimonialsDental Surgeon and her assistant are helping anxious patients to manage dental visits more easily. High praise for the team! We know that it can be hard for people to come in to see the dentist. Here's one message: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your care at my recent dental visit. Lucy, I know because of your care and attention to my needs I feel so much better attending an…
More TestimonialsWe really appreciate all the reviews we're getting from patients who visit SpaDental Plymouth. Your feedback helps us feel confident we give good advice and offer a great dental service to Plymouth patients. Thank you! Here are some recent reviews: These two reviews highlight the importance of regular examination of the soft tissues in the mouth. "I feel... grateful to [my dentist] for referring me to Derriford hospital for a lump to be removed from…
More TestimonialsAt SpaDental Ledbury we're enjoying reading your reviews! In April, we asked you to share your experiences with us. We've been emailing our patients to ask you to fill in on-line forms so that we know how your appointments went. It's been heart-warming to read the kind things that you've said about us in your reviews. Thank you! Here are a few of the comments that we've received: "Very professional. Always polite and helpful. Easy…
More TestimonialsFebruary, 2021
During the current restrictions we're here to help you receive the face-to-face care you need from your dental team.
Access our free remote advice and triage service:
Thank you
Patients often ask: