Wisdom teeth, the third molars in the back of the jaw, typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 to 24. Commonly, these teeth can cause tremendous discomfort, pain, and other problems due to a lack of space in the jaw and improper alignment. The problems they create must be treated by a dentist or oral surgeon. Here’s a closer look at the common issues with wisdom teeth and their treatment.
The Causes of Wisdom Tooth Problems
The worst issue with wisdom teeth is that there is no space in the mouth for them. The human jaw has decreased in size over time, and there isn’t room for these latecomers to come in appropriately. For this reason, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t come in through the gum line properly or become misaligned. Impacted wisdom teeth result in several problems, including infection, gum disease, and decay of itself or the adjacent teeth.
Another common problem arises when the wisdom teeth are partially erupted. This creates an opening in the gum that can trap food and bacteria, which increases the possibility of pericoronitis, a painful infectious condition of the gum surrounding the tooth. In this condition, the gums are inflamed, which typically results in swelling, pain, reduced mouth opening and pus formation.
Even when wisdom teeth emerge normally, they are placed in the rear of the jaw, making them difficult to clean. This raises the risk of cavities and gum disease, which can spread to other teeth if not treated promptly. In some cases, cysts can form around the wisdom tooth, damaging the jawbone.
Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Problems
Several signs can indicate that your wisdom teeth are causing problems. These symptoms may include:
Pain or Discomfort: The most common symptom of wisdom tooth problems is pain in the back of the jaw, which can radiate to the forehead, ear, and neck. The discomfort often worsens when chewing or speaking.
Swelling and Tenderness: The gum covering the impacted tooth can be inflamed, red, or swollen, with some tenderness on touching.
Bad Breath or Bad Taste: Due to food and bacteria trapped around partially erupted teeth, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth is also a common complaint.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Intense swelling and pain can make it difficult to open your mouth all the way, causing eating and speaking difficulties.
Signs of Infection: Pus, fever, or a feeling of illness are indications of infection, generally requiring immediate medical attention.
Treatment Options
When wisdom teeth become problematic, various treatments exist to alleviate the symptoms or eliminate the problem. Treatment is determined by the level of the problem and each individual’s particular situation.
Monitoring: If wisdom teeth are not presenting serious concerns, the dentist might suggest monitoring them. By scheduling regular check-ups, certainly, the teeth may not progress into a larger issue down the road.
Pain Killers: Mild pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Frequent warm saline water rinses can also reduce inflammation and soothe irritated gums.
Antibiotics: If an infection is present, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection before treatment can be considered.
Operculectomy: When the wisdom tooth is partially covered by gum, causing repeated infection, a surgical procedure called operculectomy can be carried out to remove the excess gum covering the tooth and make it exposed.
Extraction: In most cases, the best thing is to remove the wisdom teeth completely. Removal is normally recommended if the teeth are impacted and are causing recurrent infections or damaging adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth are typically removed with a surgical process that can be carried out under local anesthesia.
Prevention and Aftercare
While you cannot prevent the eruption of wisdom teeth, you can reduce the chances of complications by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash will keep bacteria at bay, especially in the wisdom tooth area. If extraction is warranted, following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions. Such as pain management, reducing swelling with ice packs, and dietary restriction, will speed up recovery.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth problems are natural, but they can be treated easily with professional care. Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before problems arise. Regular dental checkups and dental imaging can help you avoid many serious complications that wisdom teeth can cause and keep your mouth healthy and pain-free for years.
