You’re feeling an odd ache at the back of your mouth. It’s tender, maybe swollen, and chewing feels like more effort than it should. So, like most of us would, you check the mirror, open Googleor ChatGPTand type something like “wisdom tooth pain back of mouth.” And now you’re here, wondering: Is my wisdom tooth coming in sideways?
The short answer: it could be. And yes, it’s as frustrating as it sounds.
Wisdom teeth tend to cause stress because they don’t always follow the rules. When they come in sideways, things get confusing fast—pain, pressure, even crowding your other teeth. If you’re unsure about what’s going on or what steps to take, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the final teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people develop four, one in each corner. Because they erupt much later than other teeth, there’s often limited space left for them to grow correctly.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Problems often occur when there’s not enough room in the jaw for these wisdom teeth Sydney to grow upright. This can lead to partial eruptions, impaction, or sideways growth, all of which can trigger a variety of symptoms and complications.
What Does “Erupting Sideways” Mean?
When a wisdom tooth erupts sideways, it’s growing at an angle rather than in a vertical direction. This usually means it’s pushing against the neighbouring tooth or jawbone, potentially becoming impacted.
What You Might Be Feeling?
Here are some common signs that a wisdom tooth is going sideways:
- A dull ache or sharp pain near the back of your jaw
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Struggling to open your mouth fully or chew normally
- Other teeth starting to feel out of place or crowded
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth taking seriously.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways?
A few things can cause this awkward eruption:
- Not Enough Room: Your jaw might simply be too small to fit them.
- Genetics: If your parents had issues, chances are higher you might too.
- Late Arrival: Wisdom teeth usually show up after your other molars have settled, leaving no room to grow properly.
What Can Happen If You Ignore It?
Leaving a sideways wisdom tooth untreated might not seem urgent, but here’s what it could lead to:
- Impaction: The tooth gets stuck and never fully breaks through the gums.
- Damage to Nearby Teeth: Constant pressure can wear down or shift your molars.
- Infections: Bacteria love to hide around partially erupted teeth.
- Cysts or Decay: Fluid-filled sacs or decay can develop around or under the tooth.
What Should You Do Next?
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Don’t Wait It Out
Pain is your body’s way of flagging a problem. The longer you delay, the worse it can get.
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Book a Dental Appointment
Your dentist will check the area and likely order an OPG (a full mouth X-ray) to see what’s happening below the surface.
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Follow Their Advice
If the tooth isn’t causing major issues yet, your dentist might suggest just keeping an eye on it. But if it’s already causing pain or damage, they may refer you to a specialist.
Treatment Options
Wisdom Tooth Extraction – What Happens During the Wisdom Teeth Removal Sydney?
Depending on how complex the removal is, the procedure can be done under local or general anaesthetic. The choice of sedation option can drive the wisdom teeth removal cost Sydney.
The surgeon will make a small incision in the gum, remove the tooth, and then stitch the area closed if necessary. The whole process typically takes under an hour.
Recovery and Aftercare
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Managing Discomfort and Swelling
Discomfort and mild swelling are common after the procedure. Cold packs and prescribed medication can help ease discomfort.
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Foods to Eat and Avoid
Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, or yoghurt. Avoid crunchy or spicy foods that can irritate the area.
How Long Healing Takes?
Most people recover in about a week, but complete healing of the gum can take a few weeks.
When Should You Seek Help ASAP?
If any of the following happen, don’t wait:
- Intense pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling that worsens
- Fever, pus, or a bad smell in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
These signs could mean infection or more serious complications.
What is the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sydney?
The wisdom teeth price in Sydneyvaries,depending on complexity, number of teeth removed, sedation option, and location and experience of the dentist. If budget’s a concern, don’t compromise on quality over cost. Ask for clear estimates to avoid surprises later and some clinics even offer payment plans and cheap wisdom teeth removal in Sydney.
Wrapping Up
A sideways-growing wisdom tooth isn’t something to brush off. It might seem manageable now, but it can quickly lead to more painful and costly problems.Keeping track of wisdom teethdevelopments through your local dental clinic can help you avoid long-term issues.Your mouth is telling you something; listen to it.
