Wisdom Teeth Pain? All You Need to Know

When older teens start to develop tooth pain in the back of their mouth, that’s often the sign wisdom teeth are coming in. It’s best to deal with them long before that happens, though. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are those that come in all the way in the back of the mouth, on the upper and lower jaws. While they are not always a problem, these teeth are typically not necessary and cause more discomfort than they are worth. That’s why you’ll often learn about the importance of getting rid of wisdom teeth.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Problematic

Some people experience difficulty with wisdom teeth as they start to come in. They are often oddly positioned, which means when they emerge from the gums, they may push other teeth out of the way. They are also typically far back in the mouth. That leads to problems with properly cleaning and maintaining them. The result may be:

• Pain
• Bacteria buildup
• Bad breath
• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease

Sometimes people put off having their wisdom teeth removed. If these complications occur, it may lead to a wide range of problems, including infections and the need for emergency tooth removal. That’s more expensive, far more painful, and may create a risk for infection.

Don’t Want to Have Them Removed?

It’s not always necessary to have wisdom teeth removed. However, if you don’t want that to happen, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Practice extra care in brushing these teeth to ensure they don’t suffer from plaque buildup.
• Use a mouth rinse that you squish in the back of your mouth to further remove bacteria.
• Make sure your teeth are properly monitored by your dentist over time. That includes routine visits with x-rays to ensure they don’t damage other teeth as they come in or move.
  

When Will a Dentist Recommend Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom teeth problems can occur over time. The most common reason for this is a lack of room in the back of your mouth to allow for the teeth to emerge properly. If you’re coming in for routine dental checkups, chances are good your dentist will spot concerns early on and make recommendations for removal or improvements. If your dentist sees any of the signs you need wisdom teeth removed, that’s the recommendation they’ll make. That includes improper alignment, a lack of room in the back of your mouth, or infections developing.

Possible complications from not removing wisdom teeth in these situations can include:

• Impacted teeth: This occurs when the tooth cannot emerge and becomes trapped under the gums. This creates a high risk for infection, pain, and damage to other teeth.
• Tooth decay: Even if the tooth comes in, you may need to have it pulled over time if the teeth decay, which wisdom teeth often do. Not doing so could lead to complications such as nerve root exposure and intense pain.
• Infections: Infections of the gums and tooth can lead to problems with overall health, including infections that spread into the bloodstream.
• Cysts: A buildup of fluid from an infection or irritation can lead to the growth of a cyst. This can put surrounding structures at risk. It’s also quite painful.
• Periodontal disease: Over time, the gum disease in this area will spread to surrounding soft tissues, making it much more likely you’ll need periodontal disease treatment to get rid of it.
  

Struggling with Pain Relief?

You’re ready to go to the dentist for help with wisdom teeth, but what can you do right now for the pain? First, make sure you’ve scheduled a consultation with your dentist to talk about your options. Then, follow their instructions to minimize pain and discomfort.

You can use alternating hot and cold presses to help ease the pain. Some people may find temporary relief from over-the-counter pain relief or numbing gels. You also use a warm salt water rinse to help remove the infection to reduce the discomfort. Finally, try using a clove compress or clove-based tooth oil placed onto the area. This can significantly reduce the pain for an extended length of time.

The sooner you act to get rid of your wisdom teeth, the more healing you’ll experience (and the less pain you’ll have to go through). To avoid it all, have them removed instead of dealing with them. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most effective treatment options for long-term protection of your oral health. Contact us today to discuss your wisdom tooth pain and treatment options.