🦷 Wisdom Tooth Pain, Pericoronitis & Extraction: What You Need to Know 😖
If you’ve ever experienced a dull ache in the back of your mouth, you might be dealing with wisdom tooth pain. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many suffer from discomfort, infection, or crowding—especially in their late teens to mid-20s. At Star Dental Care Port Macquarie, we regularly help patients manage wisdom tooth issues, including pericoronitis and wisdom tooth extraction.
Let’s take a closer look at these common concerns.
😣 What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Often, there isn’t enough room in the jaw to accommodate them, leading to impaction. This is when a tooth becomes trapped under the gum or grows at an angle.
Common causes of wisdom tooth pain include:
🔸 Pressure from erupting teeth
🔸 Crowding or shifting of other teeth
🔸 Inflammation and swelling of the gums
🔸 Infection beneath a partially erupted tooth
🔸 Tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need a dental evaluation.
🔥 What is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is a gum infection that commonly affects the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria can easily become trapped under the gum flap, causing inflammation, swelling, and infection.
🚨 Symptoms of pericoronitis include:
✅ Pain at the back of the mouth or jaw
✅ Swollen, red gums
✅ Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
✅ Difficulty opening your mouth
✅ Pus or discharge
Pericoronitis can become severe if left untreated and may even lead to facial swelling or fever.
🦷 When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth require extraction, but it’s often recommended if they are:
🔹 Causing pain or recurring infections
🔹 Impacted (partially or fully trapped in the gum)
🔹 Creating crowding in your smile
🔹 Damaging adjacent teeth or bone
🔹 Difficult to clean, leading to decay or gum disease
Dr Jeremy Rourke at Star Dental Care Port Macquarie offers gentle, professional wisdom tooth extractions tailored to your individual needs.
🛠️ What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Depending on the complexity of your case, wisdom tooth extraction may be done in-chair under local anaesthetic or with sedation. In most cases:
🪥 The area is numbed
✂️ A small incision may be made if the tooth is impacted
🦷 The tooth is removed in one piece or sectioned
🧵 The area is cleaned and stitched (if needed)
🧊 You’ll be sent home with post-op care instructions
Recovery usually takes a few days, and we’ll provide all the support and pain management guidance you need.
🤕 Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After your extraction, follow these tips to ensure a smooth recovery:
✅ Rest and avoid strenuous activity
✅ Use ice packs to reduce swelling
✅ Stick to soft foods (think soup, yoghurt, smoothies)
✅ Avoid smoking and drinking through straws
✅ Gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours
✅ Take prescribed medications as directed
Most people recover within a week, and any discomfort is typically short-lived compared to the long-term benefits.
📅 Book a Wisdom Tooth Assessment Today
If you're experiencing jaw pain, gum swelling, or suspect your wisdom teeth might be impacted, don’t wait. Early assessment can prevent bigger problems down the road.
💻 Learn more about wisdom tooth issues and treatment:
👉 https://www.stardentalport.com/our-services/wisdom-tooth-pain/
🗓️ Ready to take action? Book online now:
👉 https://stardentalport.com/bookonline
🦷 Star Dental Care
📍 61 Lord Street, Port Macquarie, NSW
📞 02 6583 6111
Tags: #WisdomToothPain #Pericoronitis #ToothExtraction #PortMacquarieDentist #StarDentalCare #DentalHealth #OralSurgery #ImpactedWisdomTooth #ToothInfection #GumPain #JawPain
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