Wisdom Teeth Issues and Treatment Options

People usually get their wisdom teeth at the young adult stage in life. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars on the upper and lower jaws. In cases where the teeth grow in a proper position, the person does not suffer from any wisdom tooth problems.

Wisdom teeth do not always come in, and/or you may just get the top or bottom set. It is not normally until you see a doctor for x-rays, usually, that you know how many wisdom teeth you have.

The main reason behind wisdom tooth problems is that irregular growth of the teeth. When they are growing, wisdom teeth may not grow straight, but rather grow in an odd angle. This crooked growth is one of the wisdom tooth problems that cause the wisdom tooth to press against the second molar or the gums causing the person great discomfort.

Another cause behind wisdom teeth problems is when a person’s jaw is too small to have them grow in. In these cases, the teeth are usually crowded and there is not enough space for the wisdom tooth to grow. The wisdom tooth then gets trapped in the gums and is not able to split through the gums. A tooth that is unable to break through the gums is called an impacted tooth. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth may break through the gum, but only partially. Here, a small piece of the gum forms a soft flap at the back of the wisdom tooth/teeth, called an operculum. Food getting trapped in the operculum is inevitable and cleaning the operculum cannot be done using an ordinary toothbrush.

Many times, the patient may not realize they need their teeth extracted, because they do not experience any symptoms.  However, when they do, the symptoms are usually pain; mostly severe, infection of the gums and swelling of the gums and cheeks in the region.
 

In almost all types of wisdom teeth problems, the treatment is to extract the tooth or teeth. This can be very painful and therefore patients are given local anesthetics before undergoing the surgery. Wisdom teeth problems are not something that can be avoided, but frequent visits to the dentist can result in a sooner diagnosis of a possible issues.

Toothaches and Tooth Extractions

The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity resulting from tooth decay, but there are many dental issues that can cause a toothache.

 

Main Causes of a Toothache

Some of the main causes of a toothache range anywhere from fractures in the teeth to cavities. Also, a toothache can occur at any time even though you may not expect it.

Oftentimes the pain of a toothache can be so unbearable that it will make you want to do anything you can to make it stop. Especially, when there are instances of nerve pain stemming from a toothache.

 

Why Nerve Pain Stems From a Toothache

When the nerve in your tooth is exposed to air this can lead to a toothache. This places an immense amount of pressure on your tooth. Tooth nerves can become exposed when there is a crack in the tooth.

Another instance of a toothache resulting from a nerve being exposed to air stems from the practice of rough brushing. This is because rough brushing causes the gums to recede which exposes the nerve to air. To prevent this from happening use care when you brush and visit your dentist regularly.

Consuming tobacco products whether it be smoking or chewing it are both practices that more than likely will lead to frequent toothaches. Smoking is generally bad for the health of your teeth, and it can lead to tooth decay which is a leading cause of toothaches. Also, chewing tobacco will ultimately rot your teeth, and lead to excruciatingly painful toothaches. The common factor as it relates to smoking or chewing tobacco is that both will eat away at your teeth’s enamel, and if left untreated can result in progressive tooth decay.

 

How To Prevent Toothaches

To help prevent toothaches you should visit your dentist as often as possible, and always follow their oral hygiene instructions.  In addition, if you get a toothache you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Doing so will allow them to determine the cause of the toothache early enough so that preventative measures can be taken to relieve your pain, save the tooth, and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

 

Discomfort From a Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction, it is not uncommon for pulp irritation to occur because it is related to an inflammation of the dental pulp tissue. Therefore, it’s good to be aware that it’s a common occurrence, but it should not deter you from regularly visiting your dentist. Also, no matter how well your filling or crown was done, any of the materials used to fix the tooth can cause you some discomfort or pain in the future.

 

What Should I Do After A Tooth Extraction?

There are several restorative options that could be great options for you following a tooth extraction:

Dental bridges:

A set of teeth that link one tooth to the nearest tooth

Dental implants:

A phenomenal option that offers you a brand-new smile by replacing missing tooth with very natural looking, fully functional teeth that are customized specifically for your mouth and smile.

 

The dental implantation process starts with the dental professional taking images of your teeth as a foundation to create customized implants. Then, your implants are created specifically for you and your new smile is revealed! However, for maximum success, selecting the best dental professional with advanced experience is a must.

 

Who Can Help with Toothaches And Extractions

Dr John Wewel and the skilled team at Midwest Oral Surgery and Dental Implants have extensive experience in dental implant placement, and offers comforting services to ease any dental anxiety, including IV sedation and general anesthesia. Dr Wewel carefully plans your treatment from start to finish, including an in-depth examination of your teeth using modern technology such as intraoral cameras and remedies for missing bone tissue, which must be available in a strong capacity for dental implant success.

 

Get excited for your brand-new smile! Schedule an appointment with Dr Wewel and the team at Midwest Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in Omaha, NE today to get started!

Wisdom Teeth Problems

Wisdom Teeth Problems

Wisdom teeth problems occur when the teeth are poorly aligned or there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to surface. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that develop in a person’s mouth usually once the person is 17 or older. Wisdom teeth problems don’t occur if your jaw has enough of room, they simply break through the gums and form normally.

 

A main occurrence when dealing with wisdom teeth problems is when they break halfway through our gums and then a flap of skin grows over them. This could lead to a severe infection, especially if food particles get trapped within this overlap of skin.  Wisdom teeth problems also occur when they grow crooked or in the wrong direction. This causes your wisdom teeth to become impacted, meaning they are growing in toward another tooth, which would cause your teeth to shift. If any wisdom teeth problems occur, they are usually treated by extraction of the wisdom teeth.

 

Common symptoms concerning wisdom teeth problems can be easily identified and dealt with. One of the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems is if you feel any pain or stiffness near the wisdom tooth area. It is always best to consult a reputable dentist and get the area checked out. Another symptom of wisdom tooth problem is if you feel a pain or irritation against your tongue, cheek or top or bottom of the mouth when your wisdom teeth start to emerge. You should also take into consideration wisdom teeth problems can result in overcrowding which may make you unable to properly brush and floss your teeth. This will result in poor oral hygiene and you will have to face tooth decay or even gum disease.

 

To diagnose wisdom teeth problems, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to start off with to find any signs or symptoms of wisdom teeth problems. You may be also required to get an x-ray done to certify whether your wisdom teeth are causing any problem or whether there are likely to be any problems in the future. Sometimes your dentist may recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted even if you haven’t had any wisdom teeth problems. This is usually done to avoid any future problems.

 

Contact your dentist if you are feeling any irritation where your wisdom teeth would come in. They will give you further instruction on if you should have your wisdom teeth extracted, or if they will be fine to grow in.

Top Things to Know Before Having a Tooth Extraction

It’s a very common procedure, having a tooth extracted. And if you keep a few simple things in mind, you can help ensure that this common procedure doesn’t get impacted by some uncommon issue. Find out what you should know ahead of your tooth extraction.

You Might Need Antibiotics

If you’re prone to severe infections, you’ll want to make sure your dentist knows about this before your extraction. Your dentist will almost certainly ask about this. But just in case this point somehow gets lost in the discussion, make sure your dentist knows.

The reason an extraction is a risk for spreading infection is because the extraction site, while it heals, is a wide-open on-ramp to your bloodstream.

Most people prone to infection can still have teeth extracted with no problem. The key is taking the right antibiotics ahead of the procedure.

You Won’t Feel Anything

We’re far removed from the days of downing a bit of liquor and squeezing an armrest while having a tooth pulled. These days, a quick injection of a local anesthetic to the extraction site is all you need to get through the procedure with minimal discomfort, if any.

By the time the anesthesia wears off, your tooth extraction procedure will be long over. And while you may need a simple over-the-counter painkiller to keep the swelling and tenderness down over the next day or two, you won’t need anything more than the local anesthetic during the procedure. If you’d rather have general anesthesia to sleep during the procedure, consider alternatives and sedation options for managing anxiety at the dentist’s office.

You Have Options for Managing Anxiety

Even people who understand their fears are a bit irrational, often there’s no helping that feeling. But if your dentist offers sedation options, there are ways to keep your mind from racing and to feel less anxious about your procedure.

Find Out More About Getting a Tooth Extraction in Omaha

Talk to a local dentist about what you expect from getting a tooth extraction in Omaha. Click here to schedule a consultation.