Long ago, wisdom teeth were heroic teeth that appeared later in life to replace back molars that had become worn down or damaged with time. Over the years, however, they have become largely unnecessary, as modern utensils and cooking methods have made chewing food a lot easier. As a result, wisdom teeth don’t serve much of a purpose anymore. In fact, they often cause more harm than good and are frequently removed.
One issue that prompts patients to have their wisdom teeth removed is the presence of pain. While not all wisdom teeth will become painful, there are multiple reasons why they might. Here are just a few.
They’re Erupting
Whether it’s a teething baby or a proud elementary schooler eagerly anticipating the tooth fairy, you’ve likely already experienced the pain of erupting teeth at some point in your life. Wisdom teeth are no exception. They can also cause plenty of discomfort as they push through your gums. This is completely normal and does not mean you will need to have them removed; however, you should certainly have them examined by your dentist to determine whether you should keep them.
They’re Impacted
You may have heard the term “impacted” used to describe wisdom teeth before, but what does it mean? An impacted tooth is prevented from breaking through the gumline, either from crowding, coming in at a bad angle, or being blocked by another tooth.
Impaction is not only painful, but it can also damage the other teeth around it or alter your bite. Thus, your dentist will likely recommend extraction for the health and safety of the rest of your mouth.
Cavities
Your wisdom teeth are more prone to cavities than other teeth for several reasons. First, they are so far back in your mouth that they are often difficult to clean properly. As a result, they can easily accumulate plaque, bacteria, and food particles that all contribute to tooth decay. Second, because they frequently grow in very tight spaces, it can be a challenge to floss between them, causing interproximal cavities (cavities between teeth).
Gum Disease
Yet another danger of crowding caused by wisdom teeth is gum disease. Gum disease can easily develop around them because of how difficult they are to brush and floss.
Cyst Formation
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, cysts can develop at their follicle, causing pain and possible damage to both the tooth and jawbone. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the jawbone around an impacted wisdom tooth.
How To Stop Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you have wisdom tooth pain, you probably want to know how to make it stop. These remedies can certainly help, however, in many cases the only way to ensure permanent relief is to have them extracted. If you are experiencing any discomfort, here are a few things you can try to make yourself more comfortable:
- Cold compresses held to the cheek
- Ibuprofen
- Benzocaine numbing gel
Remember, while these may temporarily relieve some initial pain, it is recommended that you be evaluated by your dentist as soon as possible. By keeping your wisdom teeth unnecessarily, you could be putting yourself at risk for further complications and even worse pain down the road. While pain does not automatically mean you will need an extraction, having wisdom teeth removed is a very common practice that can help provide relief and protect your healthy teeth from damage.
About Our Practice
Norton Family Dentistry has been serving patients of all ages for over 40 years. Our no-pressure philosophy means we won’t ever push you to get treatments you don’t need or want. Whether you need a general exam, a smile makeover, or it’s time to have those wisdom teeth removed, we’re here to help.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call 508-433-3541.
