Wisdom Teeth Pain: causes and treatment

Wisdom tooth is the last and most posterior tooth to erupt in an adult mouth. Last tooth on both left and right side and in both top and bottom jaw is called wisdom tooth. So, there are a total of 4 wisdom teeth. Adults have three molars. First molar erupts around the age of 6 years, second molar erupts around 12 years of age. Third molars or wisdom teeth erupts around 17-21 years of age.

What causes pain in wisdom teeth?

Infection:

Infection is one of the most common cause of pain associated with a wisdom tooth. Sometimes there is not enough room for a tooth to erupt in mouth. So, either the tooth is half erupted and the other half is covered with gum. Bacteria and food traps under the gum tissue and can cause infection. Inability to floss between second and third molars can cause food to lodge resulting in infection.

Tooth Decay or Cavity:

Pain is not the initial sign of tooth decay or cavity. Tooth decay may start with discoloration. When the decay is deep and has reached close to nerve tissue enclosed in the tooth, it will cause sensitivity and pain.

Abscess:

Abscess is a collection of pus inside body. Infection causes a swelling because of collection of pus around the tooth. Pressure of pus causes intense pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed to take care of the infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection:

• Swelling around gums.
• Tenderness and pain in the gums.
• Bad breath.
• Difficulty chewing on affected side.

Treatment

• Consult your dentist.
• Dentist may need to prescribe antibiotics to take care of the infection.
• Extraction of the wisdom tooth.
• Warm saltwater rinses may be a good option while waiting for dental appointment.
• Anti-inflammatory and pain killers will relieve pain while waiting for dental appointment.

Extraction/removal of the wisdom tooth is treatment for an infected and painful tooth. Antibiotics and painkillers may momentarily relieve pain and swelling. But removal of wisdom tooth may be inevitable. Your jaw will be numbed, and wisdom tooth will be removed.

Need your wisdom teeth be removed, make an appointment now with Lincoln Dental Center.