Find out about impacted wisdom teeth, impacted wisdom teeth extraction and infection, and more with Smile Perfection in Bulimba and Aspley, Brisbane.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the end of the jaws that emerge when we are generally between the age of 17 and 25. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth – 2 at the ends of the bottom jaw and 2 at the ends of the top jaw.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop. Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause pain or discomfort for patients, but in some cases an impacted wisdom tooth can be the culprit behind a number of other oral health problems.

What are the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth?

If the impacted wisdom tooth causes the gums to become infected, the other adjacent teeth become damaged, or the impacted wisdom tooth causes other dental problems, one or more of the following signs and symptoms may be present:
  • Headaches
  • Swollen gums
  • Pain along the jaw
  • Red, tender or bleeding gums
  • Pain or difficulty when opening the mouth
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
Although impacted wisdom teeth can cause your gums to swell and other issues, impacted wisdom teeth may not always be a problem from the get-go. It is important though to have your wisdom teeth assessed by a professional to find out how well they are developing and if they are likely to cause you discomfort in the future.

When would wisdom tooth extraction be necessary?

The main two reasons for wisdom tooth extraction procedures are; if the tooth is damaging the adjacent teeth, or if the oral tissues have become infected. However many patients have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent these issues or because they are hard to clean and they don’t want to have tooth decay down the track.

Can wisdom tooth extraction be carried out when there is an infection?

If the tissue around the impacted wisdom tooth is infected, the extraction procedure will generally be delayed until the infection has cleared. This is necessary to help with the healing process and to minimise unnecessary discomfort. The process may require antibiotics to help cure the infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth assessment by a dentist

Using state of the art digital X-ray technology, we can assess your smile while you sit back and enjoy in-chair entertainment. If the wisdom teeth have grown and developed without concern, we will still continue to monitor them during your regular check-ups to ensure they stay healthy and whole. This is important because wisdom teeth can often be difficult to reach when brushing and flossing – particularly if they are impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Brisbane

At Smile Perfection, our Principal Dentist Dr Helen Ng located in Brisbane’s Aspley and Bulimba has over a decade of experience practicing dentistry here in Brisbane. Dr Helen Ng and her team take special care to ensure patients who are suffering due to impacted wisdom teeth are properly assessed and provided with an accurate diagnosis. Contact Smile Perfection today and book a consultation with our friendly team.