Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood, can cause all sorts of problems when they decide to come to the party. Depending on how it presents for you, it may or may not be considered an emergency. 

Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed. But for some, extraction becomes necessary to reduce pain, get rid of infection, and other oral health problems. So how do you know if your wisdom tooth pain is considered an emergency? Let’s see. 

Emergency Extraction of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

Impacted wisdom teeth become an emergency when they lead to symptoms that affect your quality of life. The emergency extraction procedure is not just about removing a tooth; it’s about easing intense pain, preventing the spread of infection, and avoiding potential damage to other teeth and the jawbone. When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to grow, it can cause a range of complications that make emergency extraction necessary. 

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

Wisdom teeth become impacted when they don’t have enough room to grow normally. This can lead to complications like infection, damage to other teeth, and cyst formation. Here are some signs that your wisdom teeth might be impacted and require emergency tooth extraction: 

• Severe Pain: Pain at the back of the mouth, which may extend to the ear, jaw, and neck. 
• Swelling: Swelling of the gums in the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are. 
• Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: Pain or swelling can make it hard to open your mouth fully. 
• Pus or Bleeding Gums: Infection around the impacted tooth may cause pus or bleeding gums. 
• Bad Breath or Taste: Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be a sign of an infection associated with an impacted wisdom tooth. 

These symptoms indicate that the impacted wisdom teeth are causing bigger issues. They may qualify as dental emergency to prevent worse complications or the spread of infection. 

When to Consult a Dentist 

It’s important to visit a dentist if you have any signs of impacted wisdom teeth. Early evaluation and x-rays can help figure out if your wisdom teeth really are impacted and if they’re likely to cause worse problems. Not all wisdom tooth discomfort needs an emergency removal, but a dental professional can assess how bad it is and give you advice. 

If you have severe pain, signs of infection, or struggle to talk or chew, see a dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms can escalate quickly, turning a manageable situation into an emergency. Make an appointment at the first sign of trouble, rather than waiting for the issue to get worse! 

Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth 

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure. The process typically involves: 

• Pre-Surgical Assessment: Including x-rays or CT scans to understand the position of the wisdom teeth and plan the extraction.
• Anaesthesia: The type of anaesthesia used (local, sedation, or general) will depend on the complexity of the extraction and patient comfort.
• Extraction Process: The gum tissue over the tooth is opened, any bone covering the tooth is removed, and the tooth itself is extracted. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into segments to make the removal easier.
• Post-Operative Care: Instructions may include managing swelling and pain, diet restrictions, and oral hygiene practices to ensure proper healing.

While the idea of surgery may be daunting, the procedure is a simple one for our Melbourne emergency dentist and makes a big difference to your comfort and oral health. 

The Role of Antibiotics and Pain Management 

Managing your pain and preventing (or treating) infection is crucial. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection, or they’re worried you may develop one later. 

Pain management may involve over-the-counter painkillers or prescription meds, depending on your own pain threshold and how complex the wisdom teeth removal process was. 

Importance of Follow-Up Visits

Afterwards, you’ll need a few follow-up visits, so your dentist can make sure you’re healing properly. This is your best chance to address issues that could become complications down the line, so don’t skip them! 

Potential Risks and Complications

Although wisdom teeth removal is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it does have potential risks and complications. These can include excessive bleeding (when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged), nerve damage (rare, but can result in numbness or tingling), and infection. Know the signs and get in touch with your dentist if you’re worried about anything. 

Final Thoughts

While wisdom teeth removal is not usually considered an emergency, it’s a good idea to get help if you’re feeling pain, pressure, or discomfort. 

Procrastination can make the pain worse. Our team at Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic is dedicated to providing fast, efficient, and cost-effective wisdom teeth removal services. Don’t hesitate to reach out!