Wisdom Tooth Cavities – What You Need to Know

Dental issues can be overwhelming and bring in discomfort especially when wisdom teeth are involved the situation can be daunting. Wisdom teeth also known as third molars emerge during adulthood. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause multiple dental complications as they do not have enough space to develop in the usual way. One of the most painful and concerning issues is cavities in wisdom teeth. In this blog post, we are going to understand how they become prone to cavities, symptoms, and treatments to prevent future problems.

What Causes Cavities in Wisdom Teeth?

A tooth cavity or an infection in the wisdom teeth can occur because of an array of reasons. Some of the reasons are:

• Poor Oral Hygiene

  Not cleaning your teeth and tongue regularly can accumulate bacteria over time and cause cavities.

• Dietary Habits

  High-sugar, acidic food and beverages that can damage your teeth and cause enamel erosion.

• Difficulty in Cleaning

  The positioning of wisdom teeth is at the back of the mouth, so it becomes difficult to clean them thereby increasing cavity development.

• Reduced Salivary Flow

  Saliva protects against gum diseases and tooth decay. However, due to certain medications, the natural production of saliva decreases. In such cases, there are high stakes in cavity development.

Impact of Wisdom Teeth Positioning on Cavity Development

The position of wisdom teeth can be susceptible to decay.

• Crowding

  The growth of wisdom teeth can be crowded and in a misaligned manner. This makes it extremely difficult to clean aptly.

• Partial Eruption

  If the wisdom teeth are partially erupted then the food debris will collect in the corners causing decay.

• Difficulty in Access

  Lastly, the positioning of wisdom teeth makes it hard for the toothbrush to reach. In such cases, we always suggest you go for regular cleaning checkups to remove plaque buildup and prevent cavities.

Signs and Symptoms of Cavity in Wisdom Tooth

Identifying a cavity in wisdom teeth can be tricky as they are often located at the back of the mouth. Apart from the constant nagging pain, look out for these symptoms and signs that can indicate the presence of cavities in wisdom teeth.

Nagging Toothache

One of the most common signs of a cavity in wisdom teeth is the constant throbbing toothache. The intensity of this pain varies. Sometimes it can be mild, and the other times extreme, worsening over time. Any time you chew or sip something that gives pressure to the affected tooth, the pain elevates.

Food Sensitivity

If you wince in pain while eating something cold or hold, then it’s a sign of cavities in the wisdom teeth. Once the decay passes through the inner layers of the tooth, exposing it to the sensitive nerves.

Pain While Biting Food

As the cavities progress, they weaken the structure of the tooth thereby making it more prone to pain. When you chew or bite the food per se, there will be shooting and sharp pain that indicates a cavity in your teeth.

Swelling Around the Gum Line

Another sign of cavities in the wisdom tooth is swelling and inflammation around the gum line. As the soreness continues to expand, the redness and inflammation continues to increase.

Foul Smell in Mouth

Cavities have the ability to trap food particles and bacteria which also results in the development of plaque and tartar. This causes foul and bad breath and even stirs foul taste near the affected area.

Visible Holes

In many scenarios, you may also notice dark and visible holes, spots, or pits. It’s primarily a visible sign of decay inside the wisdom tooth and time to consult a dentist.

Pus Discharge

The swollen gum or the tissue can also release pus from the affected area.

Changes in Tooth Color

Once the cavities have subsided inside, the color of the wisdom tooth changes. It could appear darker or discolored compared to the other teeth.

Treatment Options For Wisdom Tooth Cavities

There are different ways of treating cavities in the wisdom teeth. It largely depends on the severity and the affected area of the decay. Some of the most common practices that a reliable dentist can perform are:

1. Dental Filling

   If your cavity in the wisdom tooth has mild decay then dental filling is an ideal option. In this treatment, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and filled with ceramic, porcelain, or amalgam. Fillings are a great alternative to prevent decay and avoid the hustle of tooth extraction.

2. Root Canal

   Another alternative treatment that many individuals dread is the root canal treatment. If the decay has made its way inside the tooth pulp where the blood vessels and nerves connect, then it’s an alarming sign. In such scenarios, your dentist will suggest a root canal where the infected pulp is removed and then the tooth is sealed and capped with a dental crown.

3. Dental Crowns

   To cover the damage to your wisdom tooth, the dentist may suggest you wear a dental crown and preserve the tooth structure.

4. Wisdom Tooth Extraction

   In situations where the wisdom tooth is severely decayed and cannot be restored back with the previously mentioned treatments, an extraction is the best recommendation. It’s a surgical process that puts you under local anesthesia and is performed by an expert dentist. This process will remove the entire tooth from its root.

Preventing Wisdom Tooth Cavities

There might be the best treatment options accessible to you. But taking utmost prevention is the right course of action that can save you from all the turmoil of cavities in the wisdom tooth. Here are some of the ways you can minimize the risks of cavities and preserve your pearly whites.

• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the surface and inner corner of your teeth. Be gentle and do not clean aggressively. Ideally, it is recommended to brush twice a day and floss daily after food consumption. This will remove the food particles trapped between the teeth and prevent decay. In addition to that, clean your tongue every day to remove the build-up of bacteria.

• Use Fluoride Toothpaste

  Consider using fluoride-infused toothpaste and rinses to protect your tooth from decay and prevent cavities. You can also use antiseptic mouthwash to freshen your mouth breath.

• Regular Dental Check-Ups

  Schedule regular dental checkups for the examination and cleaning of the teeth.

• Dietary Choices

  Avoid eating high-sugar and acidic food as it can shed away the enamel of the tooth. Nourish your diet with calcium-rich food, fruits, and vegetables.

• Fluoride Treatments

  Your dentist may suggest you opt for fluoride treatments where a high-concentrated floured solution is applied to teeth that acts as an extra protection layer against the cavities

Bottom Line

So what’s the best plan of action that you can take for cavities in wisdom teeth? Well, that largely depends upon the state of your condition. Once you have identified the symptoms and causes, Consult an experienced and trustworthy team of dentists from Brite Orthodontics. Our team will take you through the entire procedure and share the best way to tackle the cavities in the wisdom tooth. With the best care and preventive measures, we assure you minimal discomfort and the best oral hygiene support to enjoy a bright and healthy smile.

FAQs

1. Can a Wisdom Tooth Cavity Heal on Its Own?

Unfortunately, no. Wisdom tooth cavities cannot heal on their own. If it’s a minor dental issue then you can maintain oral hygiene and use over-the-counter medicines. However, cavities require the assistance of a professional dental expert.

2. Is it Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth if they have Cavities?

Not always. It largely depends upon the cavity intensity. If it is mild and the tooth looks healthy, then it can be cured through filling or crown. But if the cavity damages the tooth, then extraction is ideally recommended.

3. Are There Any Risks Associated With Tooth Extraction?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Wisdom tooth extraction is no exception. It includes infection, nerve damage, and more. However, these complications are managed accurately under the guidance of an experienced dentist. What’s even more crucial is the after-care that should be followed accurately.

4. How Can I Manage Pain From Wisdom Tooth Cavity?

There are many over-the-counter pain relievers available like ibuprofen that can manage your pain. We highly suggest consulting the dentist before consuming any medication. You can also do a warm salt water rinse and avoid eating extremely cold, hot, and sugary food.