Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief In Pretoria: MAC Dental Studio

Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Wisdom tooth pain is discomfort associated with the eruption or impaction of the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. 

These teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause a variety of issues if they don’t emerge properly.

Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth are those that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. They may grow at odd angles or remain trapped within the jaw. This can lead to pain, swelling, and even damage to other teeth.
• Infection: Infections can occur when partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria can thrive. This can lead to painful infections, known as pericoronitis.
• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are prone to decay and gum disease because they are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean effectively. Regular dental visits are essential to monitor and manage these risks.
• Crowding and Alignment Issues: As wisdom teeth push through, they can cause crowding and misalignment of other teeth. This can result in long-term dental problems if not addressed.

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Common Symptoms

• Pain at the back of the mouth.
• Swelling and redness around the gum area.
• Jaw pain and stiffness.
• Headaches or earaches.

Severe Symptoms

• Persistent and severe pain.
• Difficulty opening the mouth.
• Foul taste or bad breath indicating infection.
• Diagnosis and Evaluation

Dental Examination

During a dental examination, your dentist will check for signs of wisdom tooth problems and may use x-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.

Dr. Pieter Van Der Merwe, a leading dentist in Cape Town, emphasizes, “Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of wisdom tooth issues.”

Treatment Options

Pain Management

• Over-the-counter pain relief options like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
• Home remedies such as saltwater rinses can also alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Professional Treatments

• Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present.
• Minor surgical procedures can relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Anesthesia: You’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. In some cases, general anesthesia might be used to put you to sleep entirely, particularly for complex procedures or if you’re very anxious.
2. Incision: If your wisdom tooth hasn’t erupted yet, the dentist will need to make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
3. Tooth Dissection (if necessary): If the tooth is impacted or in a difficult position, the dentist may need to cut it into smaller sections to make removal easier.
4. Extraction: Once the tooth is exposed and (if necessary) sectioned, the dentist will use forceps to gently loosen and remove the tooth from its socket.
5. Stitching (if necessary): The dentist may place stitches to close the incision and promote healing.
6. Cleaning and Gauze placement: The dentist will clean the area to remove any debris and place gauze over the socket to control bleeding.
7. Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.

References

1. South African Dental Association. (2024).