About 85% of Americans experience trouble with their wisdom teeth, and roughly 10 million are removed each year. So if your third molar is causing you pain, you’re definitely not alone! Such incredible statistics do beg the question, though: why are wisdom teeth so terrible? Let’s look at some of the more common reasons these toothy terrors cause so much discomfort.
The Usual Suspects
Whenever you have a severe toothache, cavities and gum disease should be on your radar. However, wisdom teeth tend to emerge – or attempt to emerge – later in life, bringing with them some unique risks:
Your Wisdom Tooth is Growing Crooked
Professionals theorize that at one point human mouths had enough room for third molars, but regardless, it seems that modern smiles often don’t. As a result, your wisdom tooth may be emerging at a crooked angle to try and squeeze its way into your dental lineup.
It’s Trapped Below Your Gumline
Alternatively, your wisdom tooth may be unable to completely emerge. This can happen when an existing tooth is directly blocking its path and is known in the dental world as “impaction.”
A Cyst or Infection has Developed
This is more common in impacted wisdom teeth. Since they’re entirely or mostly trapped below the gumline, pockets of air can form, creating a space for bacteria to trigger an infection or for a cyst to develop.
Immediate Wisdom Tooth Relief
No matter what exactly is causing your wisdom tooth pain, there’s a couple of things you can do to provide yourself some immediate relief:
Taking Pain Medication
Ibuprofen in particular is better at reducing inflammation, which will be extra helpful if your third molar is impacted or infected.
Cold Compress
A good ‘ol bag of ice wrapped in a towel or similar cloth can numb your aches for a little while. If you don’t have access to ice, try using a chilled drink as a substitute.
Topical Agents
Some topical medicines, like benzocaine, can also help numb the pain. Just make sure that what you get is safe to have in your mouth!
Your Dentist: The Long-Term Solution
These solutions can only provide temporary aid. For a cure to your wisdom tooth problem, you’ll have to visit your dentist. A severe toothache like the one you’re likely experiencing definitely counts as a dental emergency, so they’ll try to see you as soon as possible. An X-ray or two will reveal what exactly is wrong with your third molar, and after a careful extraction, you’ll soon be back to life as usual – before your wisdom tooth’s reign of terror, that is!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett has been named by D Magazine as a top-notch dental provider for multiple years. Part of what keeps her skills so sharp is her various professional affiliations and diligent continuing education efforts. If you have a troublesome wisdom tooth, Dr. Barnett will identify the best method for treatment and make sure you feel comfortable and well-informed during the whole process. To contact her office, call 469-874-0469.