Wisdom tooth decay is a widespread dental issue that occurs in millions of individuals across the globe and it usually goes undetected until it becomes a painful and severe condition. The early diagnosis and timely treatment are important to ensure the oral health and avoid more complicated problems that can involve a lot of treatments like tooth filling, root canal therapy, or even wisdom teeth removal.
Why Wisdom Teeth are likely to decay.
One of the questions that many patients pose to their dentists is why is my wisdom tooth decaying. The causes of wisdom tooth decay are complex and are mainly due to the peculiarities of the challenges that these third molars pose. Wisdom teeth are found at the very back of the mouth and thus they are very hard to brush and floss well.
The location of the wisdom teeth provides the best environment to support the growth of bacteria. The particles of food and plaque readily get lodged in the inaccessible spaces around these teeth, and this results in the growth of bacteria and production of acid that destroys the enamel of the tooth. The affected wisdom teeth are also prone to decay due to the fact that they might not fully come out of the gums, leaving pockets where bacteria can settle without interference. This can lead to wisdom tooth infection pain, which often starts as mild discomfort but can worsen if untreated.
Also, affected wisdom tooth decay is usually caused by lack of enough space in the mouth to allow the tooth to erupt properly resulting in the tooth being partially covered by gum tissue which becomes a breeding ground of harmful bacteria and leads to wisdom tooth pain.
Early Signs of Wisdom Tooth Decay
Early detection of the symptoms of wisdom tooth decay can assist in preventing small problems into big dental crises. The first symptoms can be mild but with time they can progress to severe ones unless they are treated.
- Pain and Sensitivity: The initial signs of a decayed wisdom tooth are often painful sensations, usually beginning as mild discomfort with hot or cold food and drinks especially in the area of the affected wisdom tooth. As the decay advances, the patients might develop throbbing pain which can extend to other parts of the jaw, ear, or neck. Sometimes, patients confuse these symptoms with sinus pressure learn about sinus infection and tooth pain to understand the difference.
- Bad Breath and Taste: Can wisdom tooth decay cause bad breath is a widespread question. Yes, it is common to experience bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth because of bacterial infection and food debris that is trapped around the infected tooth because of decay in the wisdom teeth.
- Visual Appearances: Dark spots or holes on the tooth surface, swelling or redness of the surrounding gum tissue, and visible food particles that appear to be impossible to remove despite extensive cleaning efforts. The decay of upper wisdom teeth can be especially difficult to observe visually because of the lack of access to self-examination.
Wisdom Tooth Decay Treatment Options
The treatment of wisdom tooth decay is different based on the severity of the condition and the circumstances of the case. The initial stages of the decay can be managed through the use of conservative methods, but the later stages are normally dealt with through the use of aggressive methods.
- Conservative Treatment: In cases of minor decay that has not severely damaged the tooth structure, tooth decay treatment can include regular dental fillings. Nevertheless, wisdom teeth are usually hard to reach, and a lot of dental practitioners might suggest extracting them as the most feasible long-term option.
- Extraction Procedures: The most common type of treatment that is often used to treat decay in the wisdom teeth is extraction, particularly when the tooth is already affected or when the oral hygiene around the tooth is still a problem. This method gets rid of the cause of infection and prevents future complications.
- Infection Management: When the infection of the wisdom tooth has occurred together with the decay, antibiotics can be given to manage the bacterial infection before the final treatment. This will aid in the decreasing of inflammation and further procedures will be more comfortable and effective.
Wisdom Tooth Decay Pain Relief.
The pain relief of wisdom tooth decay is a major issue that patients usually have when they feel pain. Although professional treatment is necessary, a number of temporary interventions can be used to treat pain until dental care is accessible.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used over-the-counter to relieve short-term pain and lower inflammation. Saltwater rinses that are administered multiple times a day can be used to clean the area and decrease the number of bacteria in the area of the affected tooth.
Pain can be numbed and swelling decreased by cold compresses placed on the outside of the cheek. These are however short term measures and professional dental examination is required to treat them.
When Professional Intervention Becomes Necessary
The extraction of wisdom tooth decay is required when the conservative measures are not sufficient or the location of the tooth makes it impossible to treat it effectively. Symptoms that may indicate that extraction is needed are intense pain, observable infection, severe decay that undermines the tooth structure, or recurring food impaction and cleaning problems.
The choice of trying to save the tooth or extracting it lies in the accessibility of the tooth to cleaning, the level of decay, the age of the patient and the general health of the mouth. It is common among dental practitioners to suggest extraction of problematic wisdom teeth even in cases where the decay is minimal since future complications may be more than the advantages of retention.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth decay can be prevented by early detection and treatment to avoid pain, infection, and more complicated dental treatments. Knowing the reasons, identifying the initial signs, and obtaining timely professional assistance will allow to keep the oral health at the highest level and avoid unnecessary pain.
To the residents who are in need of professional treatment of wisdom teeth issues, Carrum Downs Dental Group provides a full-fledged assessment and treatment of the wisdom tooth decay and other related problems. Our qualified dental staff offers comprehensive check-ups, pain management care and conservative and surgical treatment options that are dependent on the individual needs of the patient and are therefore guaranteed to achieve the best results in long-term oral health.