Is your teenage child experiencing a toothache at the back of their mouth? If they are aged between 14-19, chances are that the discomfort is the eruption of wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth, which are also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth. While some people never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, many others suffer from a range of problems that can be painful, debilitating, and even harmful to their overall oral health.
If your teenager has dental pain that you think is related to wisdom teeth, come and see our dentist Lalor. We will be able to assess the most appropriate course of action and get rid of any discomfort that they are going through at the same time.
Want to learn more? In this article, our dentist Lalor will explore some of the most common problems that can occur with wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth often become impacted when they do not have enough room to emerge correctly in the mouth. This can occur because the jaw is too small to accommodate the new teeth or because the surrounding teeth are too close together. Impacted wisdom teeth may present with a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth. They can also lead to the development of cysts or tumours in the jaw, which can be severe and even life-threatening if left untreated.
In most cases involving impaction, our dentist Lalor, will need to remove the teeth to prevent further discomfort.
Crowding
When wisdom teeth emerge, they can push against the surrounding teeth, causing crowding and shifting of the teeth. This can be uncomfortable and can even affect the bite. Crowding can also make it difficult to properly clean the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of gum disease, as well as tooth decay, and other oral health problems.
Infection
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which can make them difficult to clean properly. This can increase the risk of infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth, including the jaw and even the brain, which can be life-threatening.
Gum disease
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be challenging to brush and floss thoroughly. This can increase the risk of gum disease, which is an infection of the gums that can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated by our dental team, periodontal disease may lead to the loss of teeth and other serious oral health problems.
Decay
When wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly, they are also more prone to developing decay. Decay is a bacterial infection that causes the breakdown of the enamel and the underlying tooth structure. If left untreated, decay can cause pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss.
Treatment
In most cases, the best course of action to deal with wisdom tooth problems is to have them removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is a standard procedure that is performed under local or general anaesthesia. After the teeth are removed, the mouth will heal, and the patient will be able to resume normal activities within a few days.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
