Don’t Ignore Wisdom Tooth Pain!
Why Do Wisdom Tooth Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort for several reasons. One of the most common causes is impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for them to emerge properly. This can result in pain, swelling, and infection.
Another cause of wisdom tooth pain is gum disease. Gum disease occurs when the gums become infected and inflamed. This can lead to pain, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss.
Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can present itself in many ways. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Pain in the back of the mouth or jaw
Swelling in the gums or cheek
Bleeding gums
Difficulty opening the mouth
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Headache or earache
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek dental care immediately. Ignoring wisdom teeth pain can lead to more serious complications, such as infection and tooth loss.
Diagnosing Wisdom Tooth Pain
To diagnose wisdom tooth pain, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth. They may also take X-rays to get a better look at the position of your wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing other dental problems, your dentist may recommend extraction.
Extraction is usually done under local anesthesia, and the patient can go home the same day. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used, and the patient may need to spend the night in the hospital.
Types of Impaction
There are four types of impaction that can occur with wisdom teeth. The type of impaction will determine the severity of the pain and the treatment options.
Vertical Impaction: This occurs when the tooth is able to emerge fully into the mouth, but it is positioned incorrectly. This can cause pain and discomfort, but it can often be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
Mesial Impaction: This occurs when the tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth. This can cause pain and discomfort, and it may require extraction.
Distal Impaction: This occurs when the tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth. This can cause pain and discomfort, and it may require extraction.
Horizontal Impaction: This occurs when the tooth is positioned horizontally in the jaw. This is the most severe type of impaction and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Extraction is usually required.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Pain
The treatment for wisdom tooth pain will depend on the cause anduation of the pain. In some cases, the pain may go away on its own. However, if the pain persists, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:
Extraction: The most common treatment for wisdom teeth pain is extraction. This involves removing the impacted tooth from the mouth. Extraction is usually done under local anesthesia, and the patient can go home the same day.
Antibiotics: If the pain is caused by an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. Antibiotics are usually taken for several days to a week.
Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate the pain associated with wisdom teeth.
Warm saltwater rinse: A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Ice pack: Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Prevention is key when it comes to wisdom tooth pain. Here are some tips to help prevent wisdom tooth pain:
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups can help detect problems before they become serious.
Watch what you eat: Avoid hard, crunchy foods that can damage the teeth and gums.
Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth.
Consider early removal: In some cases, dentists may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems. This is usually done in the late teens or early twenties, before the roots of the teeth have fully developed.