The friendliest DENTAL TEAM in Tauranga!

wisdom tooth pain

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but sometimes, they are misaligned or impacted and require removal. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, swelling, infection, damage or decay to the tooth next to them.

PERICORONITIS

Sometimes you can get a swelling and infection in the gum around an erupting wisdom tooth; this can also be sore to bite on. This is called pericoronitis. It is best to come in for a checkup to assess whether the tooth is impacted therefore never erupting normally into your mouth; hence requiring removal. The tooth may be erupting normally, but a gum flap has gathered food underneath it causing pain and swelling.

Pericoronitis is treated in a number of ways. If we cannot remove the tooth as it needs to be referred to an oral surgeon, we can clean under the gum flap, give you a single tufted brush to clean under the gum flap and prescribe an antibacterial mouthrinse and antibiotics if required. Normal pain relief such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can be most beneficial also. A referral will be made to the oral surgeons and and the tooth is removed. Alternatively, the tooth may be erupting correctly but has got infected, and is treated in the same way with good oral home care.

Hot salt water mouthrinses are always good to keep wisdom teeth clean: half a teaspoon of salt in hot water is a good remedy after removal of wisdom teeth but also in managing if they are infected.

PAIN AT THE BACK OF YOUR MOUTH

If you are between 12 and 16 years old, it is most likely the second normal molar tooth coming through. These are not your wisdom teeth. Come and get checked for free under the Dental Benefits system to ensure there are no other problems.

If you are over 18 years old, it could be your wisdom teeth. Come for a problem consultation (from $79) to assess how difficult the wisdom teeth are to be potentially removed. You will require a panoramic x-ray ($99).

Options for removing wisdom teeth

If the tooth is simple – we can remove it at Gardens Dental from $300+, per tooth.

If you have impacted wisdom teeth and Dental Health Insurance, they can be removed at Tauranga OMS at 15 Brown Street for free (ph 07-578 8847). If however you do not have health insurance, the cost to remove 4 wisdom teeth under intravenous sedation is approximately $3000+ with OMS.

I had my first visit at Garden Dental today on recommendation from a friend. Fi made me feel very welcome and is super friendly and caring with a very down-to-earth yet professional manner. I felt quickly at ease which is just what you want when you visit the Dentist. Everyone at Gardens was in fact wonderful and friendly. I'm very happy and will definitely will be coming back :-) thanks again!!
Natalie Thompson  
I can not recomend Fiona and Vicki enough. Have always dreaded going to the dentist until these guys. Cannot stress how easy they made each appointment, they give the good drugs so you dont feel a thing. They are also lovely and friendly and always great at making you laugh. seriously cant recomend them enough : )
Ali Uden  
I have never felt so relaxed or happy about going to the dentist. Fi and Vicky are incredible and make me feel so at ease. I really wouldn’t go anywhere else!!
Sian Casserly  
What an absolutely refreshing change to go to a dentist and come out after an amazing, painless process. Have not regretted changing to Fiona and her team.
Steve Bolt  
One of the best dental experiences to date. Fi was fun and lighthearted which made for a pleasant appointment. Super gentle and checked in with me often to make sure I was ok. Can’t recommend her and her skills enough!!
Kristy Whitchelo  
Fi and Vicki you are honestly such a fantastic dental team. I have been visiting for many years now and can not speak any more highly of you both. You make my visits feel so relaxed that it doesn't feel like you are even at the dentist. Thank you girls for always looking after me, you are the best
Louise Fox  
Just recently had a cleaning & cavity filled by the lovely Fi from Gardens Dental. She is amazing and works wonders not only on your teeth but also to ensure you are comfortable and at ease during your time with her! Would highly recommend her to anyone needing a local dentist!
Jess Lowcher  
First review because I just wanted to say Fi and Vicky are honestly the best..so scared of dentists but they have made it the best experience ever. Very gentle, zero pain for multiple complicated procedures and don’t make you feel bad about not going to the dentist for ages ..they are super cool!
David Weaver  
Fiona is great to deal with and goes the extra mile, even ringing you in the evening to check that all is well. She is highly professional and a breath of fresh air. A thoroughly honest and approachable dentist.
Jez Rogers  
I had extensive work done on my lower teeth and a new top denture made. It was almost a fun experience.
Fi & Vicki are a great team, and their constant banter helped me to relax. They did so much to improve my smile and my self confidence. I highly recommend them both.
Helen Roberts