If you’re searching online for an Emergency Dentist in Houston because a molar or wisdom tooth has you at wit’s end from the pain. No worries, the dentist at Emergency Dental Center are always standing by to assist. Here are some tips on dealing with the pain. Of course, you can call us and we’ll see you right away or walk you through dealing with the pain.
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Similar to other teeth, dentist do not recommend removal of wisdom teeth unless they are causing pain or contributing to dental over-crowding. The four main reasons a dentist will recommend wisdom tooth removal are:
- Impacted wisdom tooth – third molars that fail to erupt or cut thru the gum line, are called impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can interfere with the growth of the adjacent teeth.
- Overcrowding – this occurs when there is insufficient room in the jaw for the additional set of third molars. These extra set of back teeth can interfere with the function of the adjacent teeth and biting function.
- Teeth shifting – as wisdom tooth erupt, it can place unfavorable pressure on adjacent teeth. This can also lead to a misalignment of the neighboring teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth will most often require orthodontic treatment in order to correct.
- Orthodontic treatment – an orthodontic may require that you remove the wisdom teeth because of interference with orthodontic treatment.
Pain and swelling from an erupting wisdom teeth may resolve on its own over time, but most often an impacted wisdom teeth can cause a Dental Emergency and must be extracted immediately. While you are waiting for a consult for your wisdom teeth, there are several over-the-counter medical treatments and natural home remedies available.
Home Remedies For Erupting Wisdom Teeth
Advil (Ibuprofen)
Advil is a brand name of ibuprofen. This pain reliever is sold over the counter without a prescription. Ibuprofen is a mild to moderate pain reliever that reduces swelling and inflammation.
Adult maximum effect dosage is 2400 mg per day. Consult your dentist or pharmacist before taking any medication.
Rinse With Salt Water
Rinsing with salt water can be beneficial if you have an abscessed wisdom tooth. Rinsing helps to remove food and debris that can cause irritation. Below is helpful guide to rinsing:
- Swollen gums can makes the issue worse if you are unable to rinse.
- Reduce inflammation by gently rinsing with warm salt water. This action helps to calm the area and remove food debris.
- Mix 10 ounces of warm water with a tsp of salt. Gently swish for 30 seconds on the side of the affected wisdom tooth.
- Repeat warm salt water rinse for maximum of 6 times per day. Over rinsing can lead to tissue dryness around the wisdom tooth which can make matters worse.
Oral Gel
An erupting wisdom tooth can often cause a serious gum irritation. Below are helpful tips for the use of oral gels:
- Oral gel is an inexpensive option for temporary relief from swollen gums.
- Dental numbing oral gel is effective at minimizing gum pain and reducing the gums around erupting wisdom teeth.
- Most dental numbing gels are sold over the counter at your local pharmacy. Benzocaine is the active ingredient that helps to soothe painful gums.
- Gently place a pea size amount of oral gel on the affected area. Repeat as directed on the label.
Ice Pack
Icing is effective at reducing gum and jaw inflammation. A small bag of frozen vegetable is the ideal ice pack for dental swelling. The coldness reduces swelling as it causes blood vessel constriction blood in the area. Reducing swelling will lower the inflammation and keep the problem from getting worse. Alternate placing a frozen small bag of chopped vegetables against the for for 15 minutes off and on. The icing has an added benefit of numbing the area.
Warm Compresses
The application of a warm compress is helpful in reducing swelling due to an infection. The warmth helps to promote blood circulation in the area. Increase blood circulation help to carry away the swelling so that the body can fight the infection.
Tea Bag
The accumulation of bacteria around swollen gums can lead increase inflammation and cause wisdom tooth pain. Dentist often recommend the use of tea bags to aid in reducing inflammation. Tannins is found in tea and is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Tannins can be useful in aiding to reduce impacted wisdom teeth pain. To use effectively, briefly soak the teabag in warm water for 5 minutes and gently bite down as close the affected tooth as possible.
Consultant Experienced Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Home remedies for tooth or gum pain can be useful as a temporary relief until you can schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist. Call Emergency Dental Center today and one of dentists will provide the instant pain relief you need for wisdom tooth pain. If your dentist has mentioned that your impacted wisdom teeth need removal, you should not hesitate in making immediate plans for wisdom tooth extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of other dentist issues if left untreated. Some of these issues include tooth shifting, TMS, or gum problems.
Prevention
To help lessen the possibility of swollen gums or dental pain, there are several preventative actions you can take reduce wisdom tooth gum pain. The home remedy actions include:
- Good oral hygiene: Floss and brush twice daily, especially after meals. Use antiseptic mouth wash to reduce the harmful bacteria around swollen gums.
- Water: Water helps to wash away bacteria and food debris from swollen gums.
- Minimize sugar: Foods with high sugar content can encourage bacteria growth reducing further gum inflammation.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Houston Texas
The Dentists of Emergency Dental Center focus on the most conservative course of care for immediate pain relief. That means removing teeth is never something we recommend lightly, including third molars. However, we know that issues can arise that will lead to a Dental Emergency. If you find yourself in pain, please call our knowledgeable Emergency Dental Center dentistry team to relieve the pain.
