Wisdom teeth are often an unpleasant rite of passage. Most people are far from excited to see them, particularly if they’re associated with discomfort. It’s unfortunately quite common for people to notice their wisdom teeth start to hurt as they begin to emerge, making the need to remove them all the more pressing.
If you’ve begun to notice that this is happening to you, here’s what could be happening to your wisdom tooth and what you could do to address the situation.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
One of the reasons that people get rid of their wisdom teeth is that they rarely emerge as they’re supposed to. In some cases, wisdom teeth sprout crooked and begin to push other teeth out of the way. They may also become impacted, which is when they are unable to sufficiently emerge from the gums. These conditions also make wisdom teeth unusually prone to infection.
If these problems occur, you might find that your wisdom teeth begin to cause you some discomfort.
What To Do About Wisdom Tooth Pain
In many cases, the best thing to do about wisdom teeth is to remove them entirely. They are rarely necessary, and typically cause more trouble than they’re worth. If yours are causing your grief, your next move should be to contact your dentist about wisdom tooth removal.
While people are frequently nervous about the prospect of removing their teeth, this procedure is routine and carries a low risk of any complications. You should be able to rid yourself of your wisdom tooth troubles without any issue so long as you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
How to Deal with Wisdom Teeth Discomfort Before Their Removal
That said, it may be a little while before you can see your dentist regarding your wisdom tooth. In the meantime, you should do your best to alleviate your discomfort on your own. There are a few different ways of going about this:
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help decrease inflammation and keep the area clean.
- Cold Compress: Holding a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek for 20-minute intervals can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (due to its anti-inflammatory properties) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be effective for pain relief.
- Head Elevation: Elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce blood flow to the affected area, which may alleviate pain.
About Our Practice
At D&G Dental of West Orange, our main priority is your comfort. Not only will we devote ourselves to ensuring that your teeth are in good condition, but we make it a point to ensure all of your needs are attended to for the duration of your stay with us. We know that wisdom tooth extractions can make people nervous; visit our office, and you’ll see firsthand that dentistry is nothing to be scared of!
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (973) 731-2200.