Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes and Cures

wisdom tooth Tucson, AZ

A damaged wisdom tooth typically leads to lots of pain and discomfort. The location of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to the fact that reaching them with a toothbrush or floss is quite challenging, making it hard to properly clean them daily.

The first wisdom tooth begins to erupt around the age of 17, and the remaining three should be fully emerged by the time the person reaches the age of 25. Each set of teeth has a wisdom tooth on both sides.

Common causes of wisdom tooth pain

There are a number of reasons why a person's third set of molars can cause problems. These include:

1. Tooth decay

As was mentioned earlier, the location of the wisdom teeth makes it a lot harder to clean them. This leads to food particles and bacteria accumulating on their surfaces. The bacteria convert the food bits into acids that eat away at teeth enamel. As the enamel becomes worn down, small holes called cavities begin to develop on the tooth. These pits will continue to expand until they lead to more severe issues.

2. Gum disease

Just as is the case for tooth decay, poor dental hygiene facilitates gum disease. When food particles and bacteria are left on teeth surfaces for prolonged periods, plaque – which is a sticky, transparent film – begins to build on teeth. Some of this plaque makes its way beneath the gumline where it prompts a response from the immune system. This leads to inflammation and the deterioration of the bone structures that hold teeth in place.

3. Infection

The location of wisdom teeth also makes them prone to infections. When cavities are not treated, they expand until they reach the pulp chamber. This is where the tooth's nerve and soft tissues are housed. Once the pulp chamber is compromised, the person will experience some pretty bad toothaches.

If treatment is still not administered, the bacteria that live in the mouth will make their way into the pulp chamber and infect it. This takes the pain a few levels higher, and the infection can spread to the vital parts of the body like the heart and brain.

Treating wisdom tooth pain

Here are the go-to treatments for toothaches caused by a wisdom tooth:

  • Root canal therapy: This therapy can be used to treat severe cavities or an infection. During the procedure, the tooth's nerve and soft tissues are removed, and medication is applied to the area. A root canal is typically not recommended for an infection or cavity that affects a wisdom tooth since they are likely to develop more issues in the future
  • Extraction: An extraction is the standard treatment when a wisdom tooth is causing pain. The tooth is surgically removed, and it has no negative impact on the patient's health since the wisdom teeth are not needed. They are a relic of evolution

Are you dealing with a hurting wisdom tooth?

Stop by our Tucson office for an evaluation and treatment. Your toothache will be gone by the time you leave our clinic.

Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

How Emergency Dentistry Can Treat A Tooth Avulsion

Seeking an emergency dentistry solution to tooth avulsion must happen right away. In this type of dental emergency, your chances of getting your tooth back in your mouth are higher if you go to the urgent dental care clinic. Knowing how this dental facility can help your situation can give you hope for recovering your…

What To Do When You Are Waiting For Emergency Dentistry

Emergency dentistry can provide immediate relief from the discomfort that you may be experiencing. While waiting for your turn, you can do a few things to help your situation. Knowing what to do can prepare your teeth and gums for urgent treatment.If a patient wants to know what they can do while waiting to see…

How Restorative Treatments Are Used By An Emergency Dentistry Office

Restorative treatments encompass a broad range of dental procedures designed to help patients recover oral health and self-esteem via improved aesthetics. Patients who have suffered oral damage due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma might benefit from restorative therapy. Visiting the emergency dentistry office as soon as possible is advisable to restore oral health…

General Dentistry: When Should You Bring Your Child To See A Dentist?

When it comes to general dentistry practices, these offices typically include primary care dental providers. A general dentist focuses on diagnosing dental problems, treating dental issues, and overall oral health care. General dentists may provide gum care, teeth cleaning, root canals, veneers, bridges, and preventative dentistry. However, just as there are dentists that focus on…