Wisdom tooth pain is a common complaint among late teens and young adults. The pain, which comes and goes, along with swollen gums, and difficulty opening the mouth often make daily activities uncomfortable. However, does a persistently painful wisdom tooth always need to be removed? The answer depends on each patient's individual circumstances.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people, these teeth erupt normally and cause no problems. However, in many cases, wisdom teeth erupt improperly or crookedly due to lack of space in the jaw.
This condition often triggers pain and various other complaints.
Causes of Frequent Wisdom Tooth Pain
Some common causes of wisdom teeth pain include:
- Teeth growing crooked or buried (impacted)
- Inflammation of the gums around the wisdom teeth (pericoronitis)
- Accumulation of food scraps that is difficult to clean
- Infection or abscess formation
- Pressure on surrounding teeth
If left untreated, this condition can lead to recurring infections and other dental problems.
Signs That Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. However, extraction is usually recommended by an oral surgeon if the following conditions arise:
- Recurrent pain that interferes with activities
- Gums are often swollen, red, or festering
- Difficulty opening the mouth or pain when chewing
- The tooth grows crooked and presses on the tooth next to it.
- Recurrent infections occur despite treatment
Clinical and radiological examinations such as dental x-rays are very helpful for doctors in determining the appropriate action.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
Before the procedure, the doctor will perform a thorough examination, including evaluating the position of the teeth through radiological examination. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure.
After the extraction, the doctor will provide post-operative care education so that the healing process runs optimally.
Don't Ignore Wisdom Tooth Pain
Frequent wisdom tooth pain is not something to ignore. Early examination by an oral surgeon can prevent more serious complications, such as the spread of infection or damage to surrounding teeth.
If you experience pain in your wisdom teeth, consult immediately to get the right treatment for your condition.
This article was written by Drg. Hananto Anggoro, Sp.BMM (Oral Surgery Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).