Discomfort on the wisdom tooth
introduction
Everyone has heard of wisdom teeth.
Many people often do not even know whether they have any or even how many, as the wisdom teeth often remain under the oral mucosa and do not protrude into the oral cavity. At the latest when one of the teeth causes problems, or when the wisdom teeth are discussed by the orthodontist, you know.
One can usually have up to four wisdom teeth. They are also called “eighth” by dentists because they are the eighth teeth in a row when you start counting from the middle, i.e. the back molars.
Breakthrough of the wisdom teeth
The formation of the wisdom teeth begins in the seventh to the ninth year of life. This is quite late if, for example, one looks at the beginning of the formation of the first molar tooth, which already begins at birth. Wisdom teeth usually break through the gums between the ages of 17 and 21, and root growth should be complete by the age of 25 at the latest. Then the tooth is completely formed. However, this stage does not occur in many wisdom teeth and the breakthrough is often a long time coming, which can have various reasons.
Read more on the topic: Wisdom tooth eruption
This must be taken into account when the wisdom tooth erupts
If there is no breakthrough, this is no exception. Often the wisdom teeth remain hidden under the gums or even completely enclosed by the bone. This can have a wide variety of causes, which is why you should visit the dentist to get a professional opinion. Even if the wisdom tooth erupts, you should go to the dentist. They can assess the condition of the tooth and see whether the tooth is intact, whether the tooth integrates itself into the row of teeth, whether it needs "orthodontic support" or whether it even needs to be extracted.
If it joins the row of teeth by itself, nothing needs to be considered. Since the wisdom tooth, like all other teeth, can develop tooth decay, care should be taken to brush it well as soon as the surface of the tooth protrudes into the oral cavity. If the wisdom tooth has no opponent in the other jaw, it can also happen that it grows beyond the row of teeth and then interferes with chewing. In that case it must also be removed.
Diseases of the wisdom tooth
Wisdom tooth pain
Often the wisdom teeth are noticeable in adolescents and young adults. The reason for this is the root growth that is only completed between the ages of 18 and 25. The tooth continues to grow up to this age and it can lead to pressing pain as it grows. If the tooth breaks through the gums, caries can also develop on a wisdom tooth and the tooth nerve can be irritated by penetrating germs.
Read more about the topic here: Wisdom tooth pain
In addition to the pressing pain that is caused by growth and can also radiate as a headache, there is therefore the "normal" toothache. Wisdom teeth that have not erupted can also be infected by their neighboring teeth. Inflammation can be recognized by a throbbing pain, redness, swelling and warming of the surrounding tissue. You should then visit the dentist who can use various diagnostic measures to find out the cause of the inflammation and assess whether an extraction of the tooth is necessary.
Inflammation of the wisdom tooth
Like any other tooth, a wisdom tooth or the tooth nerve and the surrounding tissue can become inflamed. There are several reasons for this. First of all, this depends, among other things, on how far the tooth has penetrated into the oral cavity. Is it normal in the row of teeth? Then the reasons for inflammation look the same as with any other tooth.
For more information, see: Inflammation of the wisdom tooth
The possible cause here is classic caries. If it penetrates deep enough into the interior of the tooth, this can infect the nerve with the bacteria that then penetrate and lead to inflammation with the associated pain. A wisdom tooth that is still under the mucous membrane can also develop tooth decay. This is possible if the mucous membrane has a gap through which the bacteria can get to the tooth. Often this is the case when the root of the neighboring tooth is in direct contact with the wisdom tooth. The germs that penetrate are then simply transferred directly and also cause tooth decay and inflammatory processes around the wisdom tooth.
Caries on the wisdom tooth
Like any other tooth, the wisdom tooth can develop tooth decay. Even the wisdom tooth that is still under the gums can develop caries if, for example, it is in contact with germs through the adjacent tooth. Caries always occurs when the tooth is demineralized by acids over a long period of time. The plaque, which is a.o. Forms from food residues on the tooth, offers the bacteria a good environment to adhere to the tooth and convert sugar into acid there.
This article might also interest you: How does tooth decay develop?
These acids pull minerals out of the tooth and thus weaken the enamel. If the tooth is not cleaned well, which is often the case with wisdom teeth because it is so far back in the mouth for the toothbrush it is difficult to access, this process, which weakens the tooth, can continue and in the long run causes caries, i.e. a "hole in the Tooth". If the wisdom tooth is normal in the row of teeth, the caries can be removed as usual and the hole can then be closed with a filling material.
Read more on the topic:
- Caries on the wisdom tooth
- Removal of tooth decay
Bleeding from the wisdom tooth
Wisdom tooth bleeding can occur especially after removal. Depending on the course of the operation and the condition of the patient, the wound can start to bleed days after the operation. If it doesn't stop by itself, you should go to the dentist. It looks the same if there is bleeding on the existing tooth for no apparent reason.
Is it bleeding gums? Just as you experience it with other teeth, a local inflammation of the gums can also have formed on the wisdom tooth. Particular attention must be paid to hygiene and the dentist must also be asked for an assessment.
Find out more about the topic: Inflammation of the gums
Periodontal pocket on the wisdom tooth
The gums can also become inflamed on the wisdom tooth. If the dentist can push a probe (a specific measuring instrument) deep between the tooth and the gum, it is called a gum pocket. It occurs when there is plaque on the tooth for a long time and the associated bacteria and germs irritate the gums. Through their metabolic products, they ensure that the gums become inflamed and swollen.
As the process progresses, the gums separate a little from the tooth, which is normally in a firm bond with the tooth, and a gap arises. The bacteria and germs can then spread further here. The gums are red and swollen, and it hurts when you brush your teeth. You should definitely visit a dentist who will clean the bag with special instruments. In addition, one should also make sure to brush the tooth thoroughly at home and thus keep the germ count as low as possible. The pocket can usually heal again this way. So it is not absolutely necessary to remove the wisdom tooth right away.
This article might also interest you: Periodontal Treatment
Everything about wisdom tooth surgery
When does the wisdom tooth need to be extracted?
Whether it is necessary to extract a wisdom tooth depends on many different factors. Last but not least, it is of course necessary to remove the tooth if it is infected and painful several times in a row. On the X-ray, the dentist can see whether the wisdom tooth has caries, whether it is damaging the neighboring tooth with its growth, whether a cyst or even a tumor has formed.
If there is a fracture in the lower jaw and the tooth is then in the fracture gap, it must also be removed, as germs may have reached the tooth and it impairs wound healing. In addition, a wisdom tooth may have to be removed as a precaution during dental therapy, for example if the subsequent prosthesis presses on the gums that lie on the wisdom tooth. In the latter case, the tooth can create pressure points as a result of the loads and even displace the gums until the denture rests directly on the tooth. The orthodontist can also order the wisdom teeth to be removed in order to gain more space in the jaw.
Also read: Pull wisdom tooth
You have to know that when you get your wisdom tooth pulled
First of all, you should be aware that pulling wisdom teeth is an operation and, as with any operation, there are certain risks. The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia. A nerve in the lower jaw is anesthetized, which supplies the entire teeth on one side and the lip with feeling, as well as the one that does this for the tongue. In rare cases (the probability ranges from 0.06% -4%) it can happen that the nerve is damaged and the feeling in these regions is temporarily or permanently lost.
Read more on the topic: Operation on the wisdom tooth
Wound healing disorders and secondary bleeding can occur after the operation. Especially diabetics and people who take anti-clotting drugs have to deal with it. In addition, the maxillary sinus can open. That is, when the wisdom tooth is very close to the maxillary sinus and is surgically removed, a connection is sometimes created. This must then be closed with care. Otherwise there is a risk of sinusitis. The neighboring tooth is only very rarely affected.
In very rare cases, the lower jaw can break during extraction, as the wisdom tooth is usually located directly in the bone of the angle of the jaw and the dentist has to use a lot of force to remove it. After the operation, your general well-being can be impaired, you should have painkillers available, cool your cheeks and eat soft food. Immediately after the operation, hot or very cold food should be avoided until the anesthetic has worn off. In addition, you should avoid caffeinated drinks for the first 24 hours and nicotine for one week. The follow-up checks at the dentist should also not be forgotten.
This article might also interest you: Duration of a wisdom tooth operation
Pain after a wisdom tooth operation
The extent of the patient's impairment after the operation depends, among other things, on on the course of the operation and the condition of the patient. It can lead to wound healing disorders, secondary bleeding, swellings, as well as a so-called jaw clamp, which - as the name suggests - is noticeable in that the patient cannot open his mouth wide for a while.
If the extracted tooth was previously not visible, i.e. if it was still covered by gums or even completely enclosed by bone, the dentist usually has to use drills to free the tooth from the surrounding bone and to be able to pull it. After that, a hole remains in the bone, which has to heal in the next few months. Especially after such an operation, it is normal for the area to cause a certain amount of wound pain. This should subside after a few days and become less and less.It is recommended to use painkillers initially, to cool and to rinse gently with disinfecting solutions only after the second day after the operation.
Read more on the topic: Pain after wisdom surgery
Inflammation after a wisdom tooth operation
The wound that occurs when the wisdom tooth is removed can become infected like any other wound. In order to avoid inflammation, many patients make the mistake of cleaning their mouths particularly thoroughly and rinsing their mouths out. This is not advisable, as the wound has to fill with blood so that the cells it contains can initiate wound healing and thus close the wound.
If the blood is flushed out, this process is absent and the risk of inflammation is increased. Therefore, one day after the operation you should completely refrain from rinsing and only carefully brush the teeth near the wound. On the second day after the operation, disinfecting mouth rinses are recommended to remove any germs that could cause inflammation.
Read more on this topic at: Inflammation after a wisdom tooth operation
When can I eat again after the operation?
Immediately after the wisdom tooth operation, you should refrain from eating hot or very cold food until the anesthesia has subsided, as you do not feel any scalding or hypothermia. It is recommended to avoid solid food for up to three days or to ensure that, for example, no small grains of a bread roll get lost in the Wunder and remain there.
Read more on the topic: Eating after a wisdom tooth operation
This could cause inflammation. In addition, drinks containing caffeine, tea and alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours after the operation. Products containing milk contain lactic bacteria that hinder wound healing. Likewise, one should avoid nicotine for a week if possible.
What to do if the wisdom tooth breaks off
If a tooth breaks off, what happens to the tooth in the further course depends to a large extent on the type of break. The same rules apply to all teeth. However, the decision to remove the wisdom tooth can be easier in some cases than with other teeth, provided that, for example, it does not make a significant contribution to the retention of a prosthesis.
Read more on the topic: Broken tooth - you should do this immediately
Apart from that, a tooth must be removed if its crown and root have broken apart deeply. In this case, the tooth can no longer be saved, as many germs have infected the entire tooth through the fracture gap. If only one corner of the wisdom tooth has broken off without damaging the nerve, the tooth can be rebuilt with a plastic filling, for example.
Is the nerve opened, i.e. If the broken part is so large that the nerve emerges, the doctor will decide how to proceed depending on the size of the opening. With a small opening, the tooth can also be rebuilt, with a slightly larger opening it still depends on the condition of the root, whether one does a normal root canal treatment, i.e. completely removing the nerve and filling the tooth or whether further measures are necessary to preserve the tooth.
Wisdom tooth causes jaw pain
Jaw pain is not infrequently caused by wisdom teeth. The systems of the wisdom teeth can be seen from around the age of seven. From then on, the enamel is formed and gradually the root also grows until growth is usually completed by the age of 25. During the growth, the massive bone has to give way to the emerging tooth.
Pressure pain can spread to the entire jaw. In the lower jaw, the wisdom tooth is close to the "jaw angle", i.e. very central in the bone. In the upper jaw, the pain can extend into the temples or the wisdom tooth can also cause headaches here. In addition, bite pains can occur if the wisdom tooth does not grow straight out of the gum, but its axis is directed towards the last molar. The pressure on the last tooth can not only cause pain but also damage it.
Read more on the topic: Jaw pain
Wisdom tooth causes bad breath
If there is bad breath due to a wisdom tooth and a putrid, bad taste emanates from the tooth, one can assume that the tooth has deep caries and the nerve is inflamed. An abscess can also form, i.e. a collection of pus around the tooth. The bacteria that cause an abscess, as well as the bacteria that decompose the nerve when the nerve becomes inflamed and usually cause throbbing, pressing pain, form gases.
These gases contain sulphurous compounds that smell and taste like rotten eggs. In this case, it is imperative to visit a dentist who will find out the exact cause and location of the formation of the gases and treat them in this way. Leaving an abscess in place, besides causing severe pain, can spread and cause serious consequences.
An inflamed tooth that emits a bad smell and taste should also be treated immediately. If the cause is the nerve and the tooth decay has not progressed so far that it is no longer worth saving the tooth, a root canal treatment is usually carried out. In the case of wisdom teeth, however, you should weigh the benefits of the tooth and the cost of restoration.
Wisdom tooth causes thick cheek
A wisdom tooth can cause a thick cheek. The swelling is a sign that the tooth is inflamed. There are certainly various reasons for this. U.a. certain germs can cause an abscess to form around the tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled space that becomes visible in the advanced stage through a bulging cheek.
Read more on the topic: Swollen cheek
Extreme caution is required here, as an abscess can spread if left untreated and lead to serious consequences. In addition, there is swelling, as the substances that are released during an inflammatory reaction cause the fluid to escape from the vessels. The fluid then collects in the tissue and the tissue swells. You should always consult a doctor.
Wisdom tooth is discolored black
If a tooth turns black, it may be discoloration. I.e. it is about dark color pigments that settle on the surface of the tooth. In some stubborn cases, these can hardly be removed. This is not possible with the toothbrush itself, for example, but professional teeth cleaning is recommended. The discoloration must, however, be differentiated from tooth decay.
Tooth decay also makes the tooth appear dark. Active tooth decay looks more brown than black. Inactive ones often look black. One can distinguish tooth decay from discoloration, as tooth enamel is destroyed and dilapidated in tooth decay. The final reason for a dark discoloration of a tooth is the death of the nerve. If the tooth is no longer supplied with fresh blood, the color pigments of the dying tissue migrate into the tooth and color it dark. A root canal treatment or tooth removal is appropriate here. In any case, a dentist should examine the tooth and then decide whether it can be saved.
Can a wisdom tooth grow back?
Unfortunately, teeth cannot grow back in humans. No wisdom tooth can do that either. It is a holdover from the Stone Age, when people all had one more tooth in the row, they had bigger jaws and had to chew more to chop their food. The jaw has receded and our food today is much softer and easier to bite than it was in the Stone Age. The attachment of the eighth tooth has remained. Regardless of whether it has to be extracted or how old the front teeth remain in the mouth, it is a normal tooth and therefore cannot grow back.
What to do if the wisdom tooth is transverse?
The axis of the teeth of the wisdom tooth can deviate from the vertical. As a result, the tooth does not grow straight into the oral cavity and aligns itself with the row of teeth, but grows crooked in a different direction. The wisdom teeth can grow towards the last molar tooth and damage it through the resulting contact. But they can also grow backwards or even be tilted in such a way that they grow towards the tongue or cheek.
In any case, it should be considered whether this restricts your chewing. If the tooth presses on the neighboring tooth, it must be removed to protect it and if it breaks out of the gum in such a way that it obstructs the tongue, removal is also induced. If the tooth axis deviates slightly, orthodontic integration of the tooth makes sense.
Link between migraines or headaches
Wisdom teeth start growing relatively late. Growth is only complete at the age of 25. If you get a headache during the growth phase of the wisdom teeth, there may well be a connection. The teeth are so far back in the mouth that the pressure can radiate into the head or, in the case of the upper teeth, into the temples.
The growing tooth can actually press on the neighboring tooth, or if the wisdom teeth have no opponent in the other jaw, it can also be that they grow beyond the chewing plane and interfere with chewing. The resulting pressure can lead to a general feeling of pressure in the head, similar to that when grinding and pressing.
Influence on facial nerves
The wisdom tooth is not in direct contact with the facial nerve, the facial nerve. The latter, with part of its fibers, is responsible for the taste sensation on the tongue. I.e. if it is damaged, it can affect the taste and especially the mimic muscles that allow the face to move.
The lower wisdom teeth, however, are often in direct contact with the nerve canal of the nerve, which supplies them and the remaining lower teeth and parts of the lip with feeling. There is also another nerve running near the wisdom teeth, namely the nerve that supplies the tongue with feeling. Both nerves can be affected if the wisdom teeth are removed. If you are irritated during the operation, the feeling can temporarily and very rarely disappear forever.
Can you also crown a wisdom tooth?
A wisdom tooth can be crowned like any other tooth. In rare cases the tooth's inner workings, the pulp chamber, can differ from that of the other teeth. however, this usually has no effect on the crowning of the tooth. If the tooth is firmly on the bone and shows no damage that would make the crowning impossible, this is a good therapy option to preserve the tooth. If the conditions look worse, it is often a question of cost-benefit whether or not to “save” a wisdom tooth.
Find out more about the topic: Dental crown
