Wisdom teeth, those elusive third molars, often remain tucked away beneath the gums—until they decide to make their presence known. When they do, it’s not always a smooth entrance. Sudden pain, swelling, or infection can quickly turn their arrival into a dental emergency, leaving you searching for relief.Emergency wisdom tooth removal often becomes the quickest and most effective solution, whether the issue stems from misalignment, impaction, or an underlying infection. But before we dive into how these teeth are treated, let’s take a closer look at what wisdom teeth are and why they often cause so many problems when they erupt.

Why You Might Need Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, their arrival is far from smooth for many. Here’s why wisdom teeth can become a source of pain and complications:

1. Lack of Space in the Jaw

Modern human jaws are often smaller than our ancestors, leaving little room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. Without enough space, they can become impacted, meaning they cannot break through the gums fully. This can lead to swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection.

2. Misalignment and Pressure on Other Teeth

Wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles, pushing against neighbouring teeth. This misalignment can cause crowding, shifting, or damage to adjacent teeth, disrupting the overall alignment of your bite and leading to discomfort.

3. Gum Infections (Pericoronitis)

When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it creates a flap of gum tissue that can trap food and bacteria. This often leads to pericoronitis, a painful gum infection that can cause swelling, tenderness, and difficulty opening your mouth.

4. Tooth Decay and Cavities

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean properly. Their position increases the likelihood of plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and cavities, both on the wisdom teeth and the surrounding molars.

5. Cysts and Damage to Bone or Roots

In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can develop a cyst, a fluid-filled sac that can damage surrounding bone, teeth, or nerves. Left untreated, this can lead to serious complications requiring surgical intervention.

Wisdom Tooth Assessment and Consultation

Before proceeding with any extraction, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination. This often includes X-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and the surrounding structures. Based on these X-rays and your symptoms, your dentist can identify decay, infection, or crowding issues.

Diagnosis: Is Removal Necessary?

Your dentist will likely recommend removal if the wisdom teeth are decayed, infected, or causing misalignment. In some cases, extraction might also be necessary to avoid future complications, even if no immediate issues exist.

Let’s examine the emergency wisdom tooth removal process.

The Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

The procedure begins with anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, your dentist will administer either a local anaesthetic to numb the area or general anaesthesia to put you to sleep.

The Procedure: Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

  1. Simple extraction: If the tooth has fully erupted and is easily accessible, the dentist will perform a simple extraction. This is often done in the office with local anaesthesia.
  2. Surgical extraction: A surgical extraction is required if the tooth is impacted, has an unusual form or is underneath the gums. 

Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the area thoroughly and, if necessary, stitch the gum closed to help heal.

Post-Extraction Care: Cleaning and Stitching

After the extraction, your dentist will clean the site to prevent infection and may apply stitches to ensure proper healing. These stitches are typically dissolvable so that they won’t need removal.

During the Extraction of Wisdom Tooth

The level of complexity determines the type of extraction you’ll undergo. Simple extractions are quicker, while surgical extractions may take longer and require more recovery. Your dentist will provide clear instructions on what to expect.

1. Managing Bleeding and Pain

Post-extraction, you may experience some bleeding. Your dentist will give you gauze pads to bite down on to stop the bleeding. Pain and swelling are joint after the procedure, but these can be managed with prescribed medications.

2. Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your recovery. This will help ensure that the extraction site is healing properly and that no complications have arisen.

Let us look at some aftercare tips after an emergency wisdom teeth removal.

Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Removal

After the extraction, you can manage pain and swelling by using ice packs and taking painkillers as your dentist prescribes. Swelling is joint and usually peaks within the first 48 hours, but ice packs can help reduce this significantly.

1. Diet: Soft Foods and Hydration

During the first few days after the extraction, follow a soft diet—think mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies—and avoid anything too hot or spicy, as this could irritate the wound.

2.Oral Hygiene: Gentle Care

It’s crucial to keep the area clean to avoid infections. However, avoid brushing directly on the extraction site. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with salt water to help kill bacteria and promote healing.

3. What to Avoid: Smoking and Using Straws

To avoid complications like dry socket, refrain from smoking or using straws for at least 48 hours post-surgery. These activities can dislodge the blood clot, leading to painful healing issues. Let’s examine the potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal.

Potential Risks and Complications

The most common complications after wisdom tooth removal are infections and dry sockets, which occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Your dentist will provide all the necessary steps to avoid these complications.

1. Rare Risks: Nerve Damage and Long-Term Issues

In rare cases, nerve damage may occur, leading to numb lips, tongue, or chin. Though rare, this is a potential risk with wisdom tooth extractions, especially if the tooth is close to the nerve.

2. Monitoring Your Recovery

It’s essential to monitor your recovery and return for follow-up appointments. This will ensure that everything is healing correctly and that no complications develop.

3. Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising around the cheeks and jaw are common after wisdom tooth extraction. These usually peak within the first 48 hours and gradually subside. Applying ice packs during the initial recovery period can help reduce swelling.

4. Bleeding

Some bleeding is expected after the extraction, especially in the first few hours. However, if the bleeding continues or becomes excessive, you must contact your dentist or oral surgeon for any problems you may face. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the signs that I need an emergency wisdom tooth removal?

A. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection like pus, it’s time to consult an emergency dentist.

Q. How long is recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction?

A. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks, but healing can take a few months.

Q. Is the procedure painful?

A. The procedure itself is not painful because of anaesthesia. Afterwards, you may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain medications.

Q. How should I care for my mouth after the procedure?

A. Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first few days, and rinse gently with saltwater. Stick to soft foods and keep the area clean.

Q. Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

A. Local anaesthesia generally allows you to drive yourself, but it’s best to confirm with your dentist.

When wisdom teeth cause problems, swift action is crucial. By addressing potential issues early, you can avoid more severe pain, infections, and damage to surrounding teeth.

If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain or suspect you might need an emergency extraction, don’t wait.

At Greenvale Dental Group, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your needs:

No matter your dental concern, our experienced and friendly team is here to provide personalised care in a supportive environment. Contact us today for a consultation and get the relief you need.