Painfull Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molar teeth to erupt and for this reason, they are often called the third molars. If you are lucky, the teeth will erupt with no problem whatsoever. However, this is rarely the case. Often, they erupt in the wrong position or impact into the teeth next to them. This can cause pain and discomfort.
Wisdom teeth pain is common in the later teenage years and the twenties. Usually, this is when the wisdom teeth begin to erupt. Wisdom teeth can also cause issues in later periods of life if they are impacting on the adjacent teeth. If food packing occurs, often the adjacent teeth can become decayed.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum overlying the lower wisdom teeth. This gum becomes inflamed when the lower wisdom tooth is erupting or when the upper wisdom tooth bites upon it. Pain from this gum is one of the most frequent causes of wisdom tooth pain.
Prevention of wisdom tooth pain
Prevention is better than the cure. If one can prevent the need for wisdom teeth extraction, then the risks associated will not occur. It is important to brush your teeth right at the very back of your mouth to keep the area clean and free from infection.
Treatment of wisdom teeth pain
Treatment is only considered if the wisdom tooth pain has occurred repeatedly. There are risks in having a lower wisdom tooth extraction. The lower wisdom tooth runs close to a nerve which innervates part of the lower jaw. It is important to identify this nerve and protect it if we are to carry out a lower wisdom tooth extraction. We use X-rays and/or CT scans to identify and locate this nerve. An upper wisdom tooth extraction is far less complicated, so it is often the case that we extract that one first. Only if extraction of the upper wisdom tooth fails to resolve the symptoms, do we consider a lower wisdom tooth extraction.
If you are suffering with pain from your wisdom teeth, or need a wisdom tooth extraction, contact us. We will arrange a consultation appointment to determine the best treatment option for you.
