Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and final set of teeth to form, typically during your adult life. These teeth are situated right at the back of your jaw and individuals commonly have four wisdom teeth in total – two on the top jaw and two more on the bottom.

They don’t start forming until you are about seven or eight, unlike the other adult teeth that grow and erupt during your childhood years. Wisdom teeth typically erupt at the age of 18 and no later than 30 years of age.

Issues with wisdom teeth only arise when there is not enough space in your jaw, or your wisdom tooth has got stuck in the wrong position when erupting. This is quite a common scenario and is why they tend to cause pain and discomfort when they emerge.

You may not have to extract your wisdom teeth at all, as in some cases pain and discomfort due to wisdom teeth growing is quite normal. In order to find out if you need wisdom teeth removal or not, it is best to get in touch with your dentist and talk about your specific situation.

What are impacted wisdom teeth and why do they cause problems?

Why do wisdom teeth cause issues?

Wisdom teeth can be really troublesome and an estimated 85% of people have their wisdom teeth extracted. Over time, human jaws have shrunk in size. Nowadays your jaw often doesn’t have enough space for 32 teeth (including your wisdom teeth). Wisdom teeth that have no room to grow into start to push against other teeth, which causes pain and discomfort.

Impacted wisdom teeth

When a wisdom tooth is not able to fully emerge to the surface and is only partially emerging or has remained hidden in the gums, we call this an impacted wisdom tooth. These types of teeth will affect the health of your surrounding teeth as well as cause other oral health problems.

A tooth that has pushed out at the wrong angle will directly impact the surrounding teeth by pushing them out of place and could cause overcrowding of teeth which will, over time, affect your entire jawline. Impacted wisdom teeth could cause the tooth next to your wisdom tooth, the second molar, to be more susceptible to problems like infections or decay.

It’s necessary that you visit your dentist to get advice if you have any tooth ache at all, because it may not just be one tooth that’s in trouble in the case of impacted wisdom teeth. Due to decay, you may end up having to get more than one tooth pulled out – that is, not just the original wisdom tooth but the one next to it as well.

Issues with wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth may trigger multiple symptoms such as:

Bleeding or Swollen Gums and Soreness

As wisdom teeth come through, they will push against surrounding teeth causing them to move and shift. This movement can create discomfort in the jaw, and symptoms could include pain, swelling and stiffness, causing difficulty in opening the jaw and even breathing. They can also cause your gums to become swollen and red, and can be painful to touch and, in some cases, they could cause the gums in the area to bleed as well.

Sinus Pains

Wisdom teeth erupting on the upper jaw could cause issues with the sinuses. This is because the roots of the wisdom teeth sometimes develop and grow up against the sinus cavity, causing immense pressure and pain. If your wisdom teeth affect your sinuses, it can also cause headaches and congestion.

Trouble when chewing food

As wisdom teeth emerge, they can make it troublesome to chew when eating food. It could simply be temporary growing pains as the tooth comes through, creating pressure on the other teeth, or it could be a sign of an impacted tooth causing problems. If your teeth have shifted, the misalignment could cause difficulties in moving your jaw.

How to self-treat wisdom tooth pain

If you are experiencing any pain because of new wisdom teeth emerging, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist to assess the condition.

Here are some at-home remedies that you can use to ease the discomfort you are experiencing, while you wait for your new wisdom teeth to settle in.

1. Over-the-counter pain relief

Ibuprofen works really well to help with the swollen gums and sore jaw, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Paracetamol and Aspirin is good for pain relief. It will dull the pain in your mouth and jaw.

It’s important, however, that you consult your doctor to make sure there aren’t any contraindications of taking this medication and you must make sure to take them as prescribed.

2. Saltwater rinse
Rinsing with a warm water and salt solution will help promote your gum health and will also kill any bacteria that could be in the area.

3. Apply an icepack
If you are suffering from swollen gums and sore jaw, you can apply an icepack to numb the area around your cheek. This will help with the inflammation by reducing it. You can even try swilling some ice water in your mouth; the cold will help numb the area and reduce the pain.

Do not apply any heat to your face when you are suffering from wisdom tooth pain. This is because heat can aggravate an infection, if there is one, and can result in even more swelling and pain.

Wisdom teeth removal procedures

At your initial consult, the dentist will complete a thorough examination of your teeth. This will allow them to give you more information on whether you need to have your wisdom teeth pulled out or not. Often this will mean you need to have an OPG, which is a full mouth x-ray, so that the dentist can examine your wisdom teeth as well as the surrounding structures accurately.

Your dentist can provide a few options to you depending on your specific case. Treatment options include:

  1. In-chair wisdom teeth extraction
  2. Specialist in-chair wisdom teeth removal
  3. In-chair sedation
  4. General anaesthetic sedation

To learn more about the full wisdom tooth removal procedure options, click on the link below.  

Summary

Watch Dr. Alistair explain and answer some questions on wisdom teeth in our video below.

To find out more information on aftercare for wisdom teeth extractions and how early intervention can help reduce complications, read the article below.

If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, call the friendly team of dentists at Fernvale Dental or book an appointment online.

Meet the Author

Dr Kapil Raniga - Fernvale Dental

Dr Kapil Raniga

Dental Surgeon (BDSc Qld)

Dr Kapil Raniga grew up in Brisbane where he went to school at John Paul College on an academic scholarship. He attended the University of Queensland where he successfully completed his Bachelor of Dental Science degree. After working in Ipswich for several years, he opened our Plainland practice.

Kate
May 25, 2024

I was pleased with the service that I received. The dentist was friendly, and gentle and explained each step of the treatment during my dental visit. I have always found the practice to be nothing but professional. I would happily recommend them to anyone.

Daniel Baker
May 25, 2024
Anna Dennison
May 23, 2024

I have been going to this clinic for a few years now. Highly recommend booking with Alistair he provides excellent dental care.

Team TwentyNine
May 7, 2024

Best dental surgery around. 10/10

Mel Everitt
May 2, 2024

Attended on short notice due to emergency procedure. The staff were amazing. From receptionist to the dentist, they could not do enough to ensure my husband's tooth was fixed and pain free. We will continue to attend this dental clinic due to the outstanding professionalism. A special thank you to Dr Danny who was beyond lovely and due to his warm manner and fantastic skills has my husband agreeing with me to continue to attend this practice. (My hubby hates dental procedures) I would recommend this clinic to anyone who wants 5 star service.

Sharilyn Puig
April 30, 2024

Very professional no pain whatsoever.

Tim Urry
April 18, 2024
Chrystal Holden
April 12, 2024
Kyle Eustace
March 24, 2024
marileen
March 21, 2024

Always super helpful and friendly and easy to talk to. Used to see Dr graham and now dr Jeremy and couldn’t be happier with his service. The kids love going there and always ask when their next check up is. Highly recommend!!

Edmund Wasilewski
March 15, 2024

Very impressed with Dr Dan. Extremely polite, fair minded, definitely going to make Dr Dan our family Dr. Thank you

John & Sue Newell
March 12, 2024

My 1st time here, felt very comfortable with my whole experience. Friendly staff & dentist explained what she was going to be doing & what choices I'd have for next visit.

Natalie Schultz
March 11, 2024

Dr Alistair at fernvale dental is amazing! Never liked visiting the dentist but the whole team is fantastic. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!

Sherry McDowell
March 11, 2024

If I could give the Fernvale team more stars I would. Went above and beyond for my first visit - needed a tough tooth pulled, really tough!! Ladies on reception booked me first thing the following day!! No wait time prior to the appointment either. They took into account my needle phobia, explained what was happening at each stage of the extraction (minus the needle info - no one needs to hear that when a phobia is present lol). Great job Jeremy & Stevie. If you’re looking for a new dentist or new to the area I highly recommend.

sean b
March 11, 2024

Always have such a pleasant experience, and they are all amazing with my daughter, staff are super friendly and the admin team are very accommodating and a delight.

Scott Copeman
March 4, 2024

Lovely staff, dentist made wisdom tooth removal look effortless. Really put me at ease.

Luke Skywalker
March 1, 2024

Dr Dan is the most gentle dentist. I usually get a check up yearly. I had a bad experience at another practice 3 years ago so have not returned. 3 years of built up plaque . Was handle with gentle touch and reassurance that I had no right to expect . I will now book follow ups with Doctor Dan every 6 months . Extremely satisfied. Highly recommend 👌 👍 👏

Scott Sauerwald
February 23, 2024

Had one of my best experiences in regard to dentist work carried out today. I was made to feel welcome and relaxed for the entire treatment. Dr Dan was fantastic and along with the dental nurse took great care of me

Heidi O'Connor
February 23, 2024

Highly recommend Dr Danny and the team at Fernvale dental. I was recommended by a friend to try there as their prices are very competitive but also very professional and the staff are very friendly. I am half way through the work I need to get done including amalgam removal and definitely confident to keep going back.

Kelly Box
February 21, 2024

Best dentist team I’ve had to date. Caring, considerate and to the point of the problem quickly. Highly recommend.

Pfeiffer Coatings
February 18, 2024

Dr Alistair is fantastic. Gentle and explains everything very well.

Trevor Beagle
February 5, 2024

Exceptional staff! From reception, nurse to dentist. Dentist was very accommodating to my needs and discussed multiple options. Very happy with my visit!

Madeliene McGarrigal
January 27, 2024

Excellent care and aftercare. Friendly, professional and highly knowledgeable and competent staff. Highly recommend!

Kailan Tyler-Moss
January 23, 2024

Kind and friendly staff who provide incredible care and will go the extra mile for you!!

sam hamlin
January 21, 2024

DR Alistair and staff were polite, Friendly and made the visit as painless as possible.

Tamara Moore
January 19, 2024

I have always been welcomed by their friendly receptionist. The dentists are great with kids and do well to ease anxious patients.

Lyndsey Ebdon
January 19, 2024

Regular patients at Fernvale Dental, staff are friendly and knowledgeable, they are across concessions and entitlements and the dentists and nurses are lovely & great at their jobs! 100% recommend Fernvale Dental!

Sharon Kennedy
January 16, 2024

Honestly, you won't find a better dental practice. I drive from BRISBANE to attend Fernvale Dental, and have never had a bad experience with any of the dentists there over nearly ten years. Dr Chermaine Mok saw me yesterday, and a more perfect, pain-free appointment you could never have.She told me what she was doing throughout the process, was encouraging and kind, and utterly professional and knowledgeable, as was her assistant. Zero anxiety, no after-pain, and effective pre-work numbing made my session a breeze. She also sorted out acessing the one other practice's x- rays that I'd had taken last year (they were nowhere near as good, but it was kind of an emergency) which saved me hundreds of dollars.20/10, highly recommended in all regards. I'll never go anywhere else.

Tracey Kaye
November 4, 2023

Both my husband and I are incredibly excited to have found Fernvale Dental Clinic. Our dental health is the best it has been in years. We found all of the staff to be caring, pleasant and professional. In particular, we would like to mention, Dr Divya Mohan, Josephine and Megan. We recommend their services to anyone requiring exceptional dental care.

David L
October 16, 2023

Dr Alistair did a wonderful job after losing mt filling in a front lateral incisor. Looks good, feels good, great job.

Marc Harrison
October 3, 2023

Great experience, staff was lovely and the dentist did a great job with minimal pain

Renata Radic
August 22, 2023

highly recommended, was very pleased with their service and friendly staff 😀 will be going back for sure .

Beryl Kennedy
July 13, 2023

The Dentist and his staff are always friendly and helpful. I'm very pleased with the dental services they provide. I recommend anyone new to give them a go you won't be disappointed.

Elizabeth Grant
July 3, 2023

I had my first visit to this Clinic today - I was offered a cancelled appointment and arrived with much trepidation as I knew I would probably need a crown for a tooth that broke last night. I don’t have enough room to express my gratitude and to compliment Dr Jeremy Yang and his assistant, Grace, on the wonderful service provided. I was immediately put at ease and throughout the process, Dr Yang explained to me exactly what he was doing. I can’t begin to explain the relief I felt when I walked out of the clinic two and a half hours later, with the crown in place! A big thank you (and the wonderful Reception staff also deserve a special mention). Elizabeth Grant

Carol MacLennan
June 29, 2023

I have never experienced such a wonder service from all staff encountered on my first visit to this practice. All staff setting extremely high standards of professionalism and friendliness, how health care should be.

Richard Faint
May 29, 2023

Excellent service. I had an emergency with no appointment. Looked after promptly with a great result. Highly recommend 👍

Ethan Kohler
May 25, 2023

Could not ask for better service. Amazing friendly staff

Meredith Johnston
May 25, 2023

My recent visit to Fernvale Dental was a very positive experience. Dr Jeremy Yang and his Dental Assistant Grace were fantastic. They were incredibly patient with me (and my anxiety), explained everything as we went and were very efficient. I have had zero issues since the procedure. The clinic even called to check in a couple of days later! The clinic is very clean and tidy, there are TV screens on the roof to give patients something to look at (especially the kids), and there was minimal wait time for my appointment. I would definitely recommend Fernvale Dental to others.

Naomi Pamela
May 11, 2023

The loveliest dentists and reception I have ever encountered. They really take good care of their patients and explained everything gently and thoroughly. Very professional service. Thanks so much.

daryl vogler
May 1, 2023

Exceptional service and care , would recommend to everyone.

Rick Simpson
March 10, 2023

Excellent manner and friendly atmosphere. They did everything they could to calm my nerves. Great service from the front end staff to the assistant to the dentist

Maryann Kemp
February 21, 2023

This was my first visit to Fernvale Dental and found the whole experience to be very pleasant. Dr Vincent was informative and knowledgeable. Would recommend Fernvale Dental

vic hil
December 17, 2022

Great dental service...and great pens!! Thank you

Jennifer Jones
December 13, 2022

Great staff,kind,gentle dentist

Ryan Stephenson
November 16, 2022

Fernvale Dental is without question the best dentist I have ever been too. Such a great dentist who is incredibly good at his profession and all the staff are super friendly, and to top it off they are very well priced. If I ever move away from the area I'd travel to continue to use their service.

Tayla kidd
November 14, 2022

Dr Alistair is the best dentist we have seen in 20 years. He sees my whole family and we have had nothing but good experiences. He takes his time and is very thoroughly with his explanations. The whole staff at Fernvale Dental are amazing and extremely accomodating. We could not recommend them enough!

Christopher Scott
October 25, 2022

Had great service from Fernvale dental.Staff were friendly and the Veterans Affairs process was significantly easier than I had been led to believe, probably because of the professionalism of the staff.

Tyigarr
October 20, 2022

AWESOME service, attitude, professionalism in dental care. So glad my dental emergency happened nearby. Very happy outcome.

ascending
September 13, 2022

Really good experience, explained my options and listened. Comfy chair and relaxing video playing on the ceiling.