Wisdom Teeth Problems?

Wisdom teeth usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. For many people, they grow normally with no issues — but for others, they can become impacted, infected, or cause problems to adjacent teeth. At Peninsula Gateway Dental in Frankston, we assess wisdom teeth early to prevent future problems.

---

1. Dental Exam

Your dentist checks for swelling, tenderness, infection, or partially erupted teeth.

2. X-Ray (OPG)

A full-mouth X-ray shows how your wisdom teeth are positioned, whether they’re impacted, and their proximity to nerves and sinuses.

3. Risk Assessment

We look for issues such as crowding, decay, gum infection, or the likelihood of problems developing later.

---

• Impaction (teeth stuck under the gum) or stuck under or beside another tooth. This can feel like constant pressure pain.
• Infection of the gum around the tooth (pericoronitis), this can be painful and throbbing, with some swelling. It can hurt from the bottom of the jaw till the ear.
• Decay due to hard-to-clean areas, this can be seen especially between the wisdom tooth and the molar next to it. Not typically painful until the decay gets close to the nerve, then pain and facial swelling may occur.
• Cysts around the tooth, can be seen on the OPG x-ray, can also be painful.

---

Monitoring

Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth may only need regular check-ups to make sure they are kept nice and clean.

Simple treatment and Medication

Cleaning and flushing out the gums around the wisdom tooth would help get rid of the gum infection. Also antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication can help with the swelling—but won’t fix the underlying cause.

Gum Flap Removal

For partially erupted teeth (half through) causing repeated infections. Removing part of the overlapping gum might solve the problem.

Extraction

• Simple extraction: For fully erupted teeth.
• Surgical extraction: For impacted or partially erupted teeth.

We offer gentle care at Peninsula Gate way dental, with options for removal under local anaesthetic, or referral to an oral surgeon if more complecated.

---

Most patients heal in 3–7 days after extractions. Expect mild swelling or soreness. Soft foods, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses help speed recovery.

---

If you’re experiencing pain or want peace of mind, Peninsula Gateway Dental in Frankston offers thorough assessment and personalised treatment options. And we have the OPG machine on site for your convenience.

Contact