Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain is an experience that most people encounter at least once in their lives. They usually appear towards the end of adolescence, that is, between the ages of 17 and 25, and are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. The emergence of these teeth can sometimes cause unexpected, severe pain. The emergence of wisdom teeth can create difficulties, especially in cases where the jaw structure is narrow, as there is not enough space in the mouth.
While many people feel discomfort during the eruption of their wisdom teeth, some may experience this process more mildly. However, the emergence of these teeth may not always be smooth and can cause various health problems for many people. Wisdom tooth pain is a condition that not only negatively affects dental health, but can also reduce overall quality of life because this pain can make daily activities difficult.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to appear in the mouth and there are four in total, one in each jaw. These teeth usually start to appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but for some people they may appear at a later age or not at all. The emergence of wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems when the jaw structure is narrow. Failure of the tooth to erupt properly because there is not enough space in the jaw can cause complications such as pain and discomfort. This process can be quite challenging for many people.
Why Does Wisdom Teeth Pain?
It is not possible to attribute wisdom tooth pain to a single cause, here are the factors that will cause this severe pain;
-Lack of Space and Compression: Lack of space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge causes these teeth to be pushed towards the gums. This means that the tooth does not fit properly and causes pain. In addition, wisdom teeth can also affect the arch of the adjacent teeth and cause their location to change.
-Gum Infections: When wisdom teeth come out, they pass through the gums, which can cause inflammation in the gums. Swelling and inflammation of the gums is one of the main causes of pain. If food gets stuck in the gum, the risk of infection increases and the pain may become worse.
-The Horizontal Position of the Wisdom Tooth: Sometimes the wisdom tooth tries to come out horizontally, which puts pressure on the surrounding tissues and causes pain. If the tooth tries to emerge in the wrong position, it may damage other teeth and cause swelling in the gum.
-Cysts and Other Complications: During the eruption of wisdom teeth, cysts may form on the roots of the tooth. These cysts can damage surrounding tissues and cause pain. In addition, failure to erupt the tooth completely paves the way for caries formation, causing pain.
Wisdom Tooth Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of wisdom tooth pain usually appear as the tooth begins to emerge. The emergence of a tooth often causes severe pain, and this pain becomes especially pronounced while eating, drinking or talking. The gum around the tooth may also swell and turn red during this process, showing signs of inflammation.
The eruption of wisdom teeth can cause food and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, leading to increased bad breath. Additionally, there may be difficulty in jaw movements; The attempt to erupt a wisdom tooth creates pressure on the jaw, which can cause discomfort in daily activities such as chewing and speaking.
On the other hand, this pain can sometimes lead to headaches because the jaw muscles tighten and stress levels increase. These symptoms may become more intense in connection with the eruption process of wisdom teeth and can negatively affect people’s quality of life.
How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain
Treatment of wisdom tooth pain may vary depending on the severity and cause of the pain. For mild pain, over-the-counter painkillers can often be effective, especially medications such as ibuprofen; These medications relieve pain while also reducing inflammation in the gums. Hot and cold compresses can be applied to relieve swelling and pain; Cold compress reduces swelling, while hot compress provides relief.
However, if there is a serious problem during the eruption of the wisdom tooth, it is important to consult a dentist. The dentist will evaluate the position of the tooth and, if necessary, may extract the tooth or recommend appropriate treatment methods. Cleaning the food accumulated around the teeth also plays a big role in reducing the risk of infection, so regular tooth brushing and flossing should not be neglected.
If the eruption of the tooth is very difficult and cannot be fully settled, surgical intervention may be required; The dentist may intervene by cutting the gum around the tooth or may remove the tooth completely.
Should All Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?
It is not possible to say that all wisdom teeth need to be removed, because each individual’s situation is different. While wisdom teeth do not cause any problems in some people and can fit properly in the mouth, in others they may cause pain, infection or lack of space. When deciding whether wisdom teeth should be extracted, we evaluate the position of the tooth, its health and its effect on the surrounding tissues, and then make a decision.
If wisdom teeth erupt properly and there is enough space in the mouth, they do not need to be removed. However, if the tooth is horizontal or partially erupted, poses a risk of damaging surrounding teeth, or causes infections in the gums, the tooth may need to be extracted. Additionally, when wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, it can lead to cavities and other problems with oral health. We will evaluate this and make the best decision. You can contact us for appointments and other questions.
