Medicines for Wisdom teeth problems

What it is

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, right at the back of the mouth, which usually come through (erupt) in the late teens or early twenties. For many people they cause no problems and simply come through normally. However, because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough room for them, which can cause them to become "impacted" — stuck against the neighbouring tooth or the jawbone, or only partly emerging through the gum. This can lead to problems such as pain, swelling, and repeated infection or inflammation of the gum over a partly erupted tooth (pericoronitis), where food and bacteria collect; it can also contribute to tooth decay and gum problems in the area. Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause problems, though. Wisdom tooth trouble is common and, while it can be painful, is manageable, and modern advice is that wisdom teeth are only removed when there is a good reason.

How it is treated

Management depends on whether the wisdom teeth are causing problems. Wisdom teeth that are healthy and not causing symptoms are usually left alone, as removal is not recommended just because they are impacted, if they are not causing trouble. When they do cause problems — such as repeated infections (pericoronitis), decay that cannot be treated, damage to neighbouring teeth, cysts, or persistent pain — a dentist assesses them, often with an X-ray, and may recommend removal. Removing a wisdom tooth ranges from a straightforward extraction to a more involved surgical procedure (for deeply impacted teeth), sometimes done by an oral surgeon. In the meantime, symptoms are managed with good oral hygiene around the area, salt-water rinses, pain relief, and treatment of any infection. Following aftercare advice after removal helps prevent complications such as dry socket. The reassuring message is that wisdom teeth often cause no problems, and when they do, the issues are treatable, with removal reserved for good reasons.