Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes and Cures

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.

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