Impaction of wisdom teeth: symptoms, causes, surgery, etc.

Definition

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third most recently grown molars. Usually, these teeth will begin to grow when you enter your teens, which is around 17 to 20s. The number of teeth of an adult alone is 32.

Everyone generally has four wisdom teeth. Two pairs above and below the right back side of the mouth, and two more pairs over and under the back left side of the mouth.

If it grows in the right direction and position, the last tooth growth is not a problem. However, if this tooth growth is tilted, it will hurt.

Wisdom teeth can grow sideways in different directions. They can grow horizontally (sideways), point to or away from the second molars, or grow inward or outward. This condition in medical terms is called wisdom tooth impaction.

The last molars that appear oblique can damage the adjacent teeth. Not only that, severe damage to the nerves and jawbone can also occur. As a result, you will experience more frequent swollen gums and toothaches.

How common is impacted wisdom teeth pain?

Impacts are wisdom teeth that develop pain and are a common problem. This condition usually occurs due to the molars at the very back of the teeth growing sideways or not in line with the other tooth lines.

In addition, 28 adult teeth have grown, so there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to grow back.

When there is tooth impact, bacteria can enter, infection, pain, swelling, stiff jaw, and tooth decay if your teeth are classified as vulnerable teeth.

Problems caused by sore molars can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a sore wisdom tooth?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, impacted teeth do not always cause symptoms. However, if your wisdom tooth has an infection, breaks another tooth, or has other dental problems you may experience symptoms.

Signs or symptoms of a sore wisdom tooth include:

• The gums and back of the jaw feel pain when touched with the tongue or when brushing teeth.
• The gums on the back appear red, swollen, and even pus. This swollen gum condition is called pericoronitis.
• Around the tooth that is problematic also feels churning.
• The gums are swollen so that the face does not look symmetrical.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• There is pain in the joint in front of the ear. Not infrequently the pain also radiates to the head.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Teeth that are crooked should be treated immediately because they can "bump" the adjacent tooth and cause serious tooth decay.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes wisdom teeth to hurt?

Impacted or painful wisdom teeth are common due to the improper direction and position of the growth.

The main cause is the shape of the jaw, says Thomas Dodson, DMD, MPH, a professor of oral and jaw surgery from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine on the Everyday Health page.

Eating soft foods can also be a less stimulating factor for the growth and development of the arch. This is because, chewing food tends to be hard, the muscles in the mouth become active, so that the jaw is more stimulated to grow optimally.

In some people, wisdom teeth grow out without problems and can align with other teeth. However, in most cases, the shape of your mouth will affect the direction and position of the wisdom teeth later in life.

Coupled with teeth that are already solid so that the wisdom teeth that will grow are blocked.

A jaw shape that is too small can cause wisdom teeth to grow in collision with other existing teeth. Likewise, if the shape of the tooth that grows too large while the remaining empty space in the gums is narrow because your jaw is small.

If there is not enough free space in the gums, the seeds of the molars can grow sideways or not align with other tooth lines.

This condition can make the gums inflamed, swollen, and even infected. As a result, you will experience intense pain.

The growth of wisdom teeth, which is sometimes only half-way, can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The position of the molars that are difficult to reach makes it more difficult for you to brush your teeth and flossing until it is completely clean.

Heredity can also be a factor that triggered your last molars to grow sideways.

Medicines & Medicines

How to diagnose a sore wisdom tooth?

In order to determine the cause of impacted wisdom teeth, you should consult a dentist directly. First the dentist will examine your gums first for any wisdom teeth problems.

While examining the oral cavity, the doctor will usually ask about your oral health history and the pain you have experienced. For example, when did the pain start, how intense it was, and where is it located.

The doctor may also ask about how you care for dental hygiene.

Often a dental X-ray is needed to show the part of the tooth that is experiencing problems. Dental x-rays are effective to see if the wisdom teeth were initiated, which may be impacted.

How do you treat a sore wisdom tooth?

If after a dental X-ray the doctor finds your wisdom tooth has problems or impacted wisdom teeth, he or she may recommend tooth extraction. Even these recommendations can be given before problems arise.

This is done to avoid the extraction that is more painful or becomes more complicated. Not only that, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth is easier when the wisdom tooth roots are not fully developed.

The removal of the back molars is usually done as an odontectomy. Odontectomy is a term for removing the molars which is often referred to as "minor surgery".

The odontectomy procedure is not much different from ordinary tooth extraction. The difference is, this dental surgery is usually performed for the molars, some of which are in the bone.

In general, wisdom tooth extraction is required in cases of:

• Gum infection or disease that affects the back molars.
• Tooth decay in some molars.
• Cyst or tumor due to molars.
• The growth of wisdom teeth that interfere with the adjacent teeth.

Before pulling a tooth, the doctor will inject an anesthetic into the affected area of ​​the gum. The anesthetic makes your gums numb or numb. That way, you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

After the sedation, the doctor will cut your gums first and then remove the bone that is blocking the molars. After that, the dentist will cover the wound with stitches and the tooth scar with gauze.

After the procedure, you may experience bleeding around the extracted tooth. Try not to spit excessively so that you don't have to remove the blood clot from your gums or teeth.

When the anesthetic stops working, the doctor can prescribe a pain medication to help reduce the pain. You can also apply ice to the jaw to reduce pain.

Tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure. So, you can go straight home after having your molar removed by the doctor.

Even so, you may have to stay several nights in the hospital if your impacted tooth case is complicated.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies for sore wisdom teeth?

The doctor will usually remove the sore wisdom tooth before the complaint turns into a big problem. However, if you have an infection, you may have to wait for the infection to go away first.

While you are waiting for your tooth extraction schedule, there are a number of home remedies you can follow to relieve impacted wisdom teeth. The following include:

1. Gargle with salt water

Since ancient times, gargling salt water has been known as an effective remedy for various oral and dental problems. The good news, this benefit is supported by a number of scientific evidence.

Research has found that salt water can act as a natural disinfectant to help fight and kill bacteria in the mouth.

Making a brine solution is fairly easy. You only need to mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. After that, gargle salt water all over the mouth and discard the water.

You can gargle with salt water two or three times a day, or until the pain subsides.

2. Cold compress

A cold compress is the easiest and fastest way to relieve pain from an inclined wisdom tooth or impacted wisdom tooth.

Exposure to cold temperatures from ice can block pain signals from your teeth. That way, you can breathe a little easier as the painful sensation in your molars gradually subsides.

All you need is a few ice cubes and a clean, dry washcloth. If you have all the ingredients available, wrap the ice cubes in a washcloth and place them on the surface of the cheek that feels sore.

Gargling with a glass of ice water is just as effective as a cold compress.

3. Numbing gel

Numbing gel or a numbing gel can help reduce the pain that is felt in the gums from impacted teeth. Usually, this gel has an active ingredient in the form of benzocaine .

You can apply this gel directly on the gums. The most important thing is to follow the instructions according to the instructions.

4. Painkillers

Can't stand the impact or wisdom teeth that keep on twitching? Taking pain relievers can be a solution. Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce inflammation.

Not only that, this drug can temporarily relieve the pain of impacted wisdom teeth.

Both of these drugs are usually sold freely in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. But make sure you take the drug according to the recommended dosage.

Read carefully the rules for using the drugs listed on the packaging. If you do not understand the rules of use, do not hesitate to ask directly to a doctor or pharmacist.

5. Use clove oil

Apart from using salt, ancient people also used clove oil as a natural remedy to treat toothaches. Research finds that the compound eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anesthetic.

As a result, clove oil can help temporarily numb the nerves.

However, be careful because herbal remedies and natural ingredients are not always sure to be safe. Carelessly pouring clove oil in your mouth can trigger other problems.

Oil dripping onto the tongue or gums can make these parts of the body feel hot.

If your hands get stained with clove oil, be sure to wash your hands first. This is because your eyes can be irritated if the hand that is exposed to the drops of clove oil directly touches the eye.

So that you don't experience the things mentioned above, you should first pour two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball. After that, stick the cotton on the problematic tooth.

You can also use whole cloves and hold them in place of the sore tooth. Afterward, rinse your mouth to rinse off any cloves that may remain in your mouth.

6. Onions

Not only garlic, you can also take advantage of onions. In one study it was found that onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Therefore, you can take advantage of this one kitchen ingredient to reduce swelling while fighting bacterial infection.

The trick is to chew directly for a few minutes the pieces of onion on the side of the tooth that hurts.

This can cause the ingredients in the onion to enter directly into the gums to reduce inflammation and the appearance of bacteria.

Prevention

How do you prevent wisdom teeth from hurting?

Tooth impaction cannot be prevented. Even so, it is recommended that you regularly check with the dentist at least every 6 months so that the doctor can monitor the growth of your molars later.

If you see a hard white lump on the back of the gum accompanied by severe pain, you should immediately see a dentist.

It is also important for you to maintain good oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth 2 times a day in the morning and at night. Make sure you brush your teeth down to the tip molars to prevent cavities in the back molars.

If you have questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your oral and dental health problems.