A mouthwash of medium hot water with a teaspoonful of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. (Check it is not too

  hot before using it.) Swish the salt water around the tooth, trying to get into the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. This should be

  done several times a day. An antibacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can also reduce the inflammation. Pain-relieving tablets

  such as paracetamol or asprin can also be useful in the short term, but consult your dentist if the pain continues. These should always

  be swallowed and in no circumstances placed on the area.

 

    But if it does not help?

     If the pain does not go away or you find it difficult to open your mouth, you should see a dentist. They will be able to see the cause of

     the problem, and advise you accordingly. It may be useful to clean around the tooth very thoroughly, and an antibiotic may be

     prescribed.

    Are x-rays needed?

     The dentist will usually take x-rays to see the position of the root, and to assess whether there is room for the tooth to come through

     into a useful position.

 

    What are the reasons for taking wisdom teeth out?

      Far fewer wisdom teeth are now taken out than in the past. If the tooth is not causing problems, your dentist will not want to remove it.

      They will only remove wisdom teeth:

• when it is clear they will not be able to come through into a useful position because there is not enough room, and they are also       causing pain and discomfort

• if they have only partly come through and are decayed - such teeth will often decay as it will be difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth

• if they are painful

    Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?

     It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Your dentist will advise you as to how easy or difficult each tooth will be to

     remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often more straightforward to remove than lower ones, which are more likely

     to be impacted. Your dentist will advise you whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be

     referred to a specialist (oral surgeon) at a hospital. Very occasionally there is a possibility of some numbness of the lip after the

     removal of a lower tooth - your dentist will tell you if it is possible in your case.

 

     Either local anaesthetic - as you would have for a filling - or sedation will probably be recommended. A general anaesthetic

     (where you would be asleep) can also be used, but this will only be given in a hospital.