While some people will have no problems when their wisdom teeth emerge, these third molars can cause a host of oral health issues in many others. The wisdom teeth typically emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties, and they can cause a range of oral health issues such as dental misalignments, TMJ problems, oral infections, and chronic tooth pain. Here’s a brief guide to why your new molars may hurt so much as well as how your dentist can help.
Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Crowding
If the wisdom teeth begin to erupt when the mouth does not have room for them, they can push the neighboring teeth out of place. While this crowding can ruin the results of a previous orthodontic treatment by forcing the other molars out of alignment, the pressure of having so many teeth in so small an area can also lead to persistent dental pain. While you may be able to temporarily remedy this issue with over-the-counter pain relievers, having the wisdom teeth extracted is likely to be the only way to find lasting relief.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Lead to Infection
An impacted wisdom tooth fails to emerge from the gums completely, which creates pockets within the soft tissue. In these damp, dark spaces between the wisdom tooth and the gum tissue, bacteria can easily breed and accumulate while being protected from oral hygiene measures and the mouth’s natural cleaning process. These infections can lead to a range of oral health issues such as jawbone erosion as well as chronic pain.
How Can I Find Relief from My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and painless dental procedure. The process begins with you having a consultation with your dentist so they can confirm that extraction is the best course of treatment, and the procedure begins with you receiving an appropriate anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure your comfort.
To perform a simple wisdom tooth extraction, your oral surgeon will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket before grasping it with forceps and gently working it loose from its connective tissue. However, impacted wisdom teeth often require surgical extraction, meaning that a small incision must be made in the gums so they can be removed.
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential to follow your dentist’s postoperative instructions to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Afterward, you can look forward to a lifetime without the chronic pain these troublesome third molars can bring you.
About the Author
Dr. Daood Alvi earned his dental degree at the University of Minnesota and refines his skills through continuing education courses covering endodontics, dental implants, and children’s dentistry. He has also completed advanced training in Level 2 oral conscious sedation. His office in Copperas Cove offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extraction services. If your wisdom teeth are giving you pain, contact the office online or dial (254) 987-6777.