How to Handle Wisdom Tooth Emergencies
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don’t make their grand appearance until your late teens or early twenties. For many people, wisdom teeth grow without any problems. However, for others, they can become a source of pain and discomfort, sometimes requiring immediate attention.
Our highly-qualified dentist in Vero Beach, FL, Dr. Morgan will walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom tooth emergencies and what to expect if you’re dealing with one. If you’re in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Gifford, Fellsmere or the surrounding areas, contact us today by calling (772) 770-2225.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that emerge at the back of your mouth. Most people have four, but it’s possible to have fewer or none at all. The problem arises when there’s not enough space in the mouth for these teeth to come in properly, leading to complications such as impaction (when the tooth can’t fully emerge), infections, or alignment issues. Dr. Morgan has seen numerous cases where wisdom teeth caused sudden and painful dental emergencies.
Signs and Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Emergency
Not all wisdom tooth pain qualifies as an emergency. However, certain symptoms can indicate that you need urgent care. These include:
- Severe pain at the back of the mouth: If you’re experiencing intense discomfort that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medication, it may be time to see a dentist.
- Swelling in the jaw or face: Infections or impactions can lead to noticeable swelling around the affected area.
- Difficulty opening your mouth: Trismus (lockjaw) can occur when inflammation spreads to the muscles and tissues around your wisdom tooth.
- Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth: These could be signs of an infection developing around the wisdom tooth.
- Bleeding gums near the wisdom tooth: This could indicate trauma or infection, especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by pain.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Morgan to get it checked out right away.
Common Wisdom Tooth Emergencies
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the tooth does not have enough space to fully emerge from the gums. This can cause pressure, swelling, and intense pain. It may also lead to infections or cysts around the tooth.
Infection (Pericoronitis)
When a wisdom tooth partially erupts through the gums, bacteria can collect around the tooth, causing an infection known as pericoronitis. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste in your mouth due to pus formation.
Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are harder to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth, making them more susceptible to decay or gum disease. An untreated cavity or gum infection can escalate to an emergency if left unchecked.
Tooth Misalignment
When wisdom teeth push against other teeth as they come in, they can cause alignment issues or bite problems. This pressure can also cause pain that radiates to other parts of your jaw and face.
What to Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Emergency
If you’re dealing with a wisdom tooth emergency, your first step should be to visit your Vero Beach dentist at Vero Beach Dental Care. Here’s what you can expect during the visit:
- Examination: Dr. Morgan will examine the area, looking for signs of infection, impaction, or other issues.
- X-Rays: X-rays may be taken to assess the positioning of the wisdom teeth and determine the cause of the problem.
- Treatment Plan: Based on the diagnosis, treatment could range from a simple cleaning or prescription antibiotics to alleviate an infection, to extraction of the problematic wisdom tooth.
In more severe cases, wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed. Dr. Morgan can perform this procedure in the office, ensuring you receive expert care in a comfortable setting.
Preventing a Wisdom Tooth Emergency
While you can’t always prevent wisdom teeth from causing problems, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of an emergency:
- Routine Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to Vero Beach Dental Care allow Dr. Morgan to monitor your wisdom teeth before they become an issue. Early detection of impaction or alignment issues can prevent an emergency situation.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your wisdom teeth clean can help prevent infections and decay. Be sure to brush and floss all the way to the back of your mouth, even if it’s difficult to reach.
- Extraction When Necessary: If Dr. Morgan notices that your wisdom teeth are likely to cause future problems, it may be best to extract them before they lead to an emergency. Many people opt for preventive removal, especially if they’re experiencing early signs of impaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom tooth pain can be a dental emergency, especially if it’s severe and accompanied by other symptoms. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted or grow at an awkward angle, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
A wisdom tooth infection can become an emergency if it causes severe pain, swelling, or fever. Infections can spread rapidly and lead to serious complications, affecting nearby teeth and jawbone. If you suspect a wisdom tooth infection or experience any signs of swelling, persistent pain, or fever, don’t delay seeking emergency dental care.
In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth are best addressed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with expertise in surgical extractions. While hospitals may have dental departments, they can handle more critical medical emergencies rather than routine dental issues. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth that requires attention, contact an experienced dentist or oral surgeon who can provide specialized treatment.
Don’t Wait for a Wisdom Tooth Emergency
Wisdom tooth pain can escalate quickly, turning what seems like a minor issue into an emergency. If you’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Morgan at Vero Beach Dental Care by calling (772) 770-2225. With quality care available for residents of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Gifford, Fellsmere and the surrounding areas, you’ll be in good hands, whether you need treatment for an infection or a tooth extraction. Take preventive steps now, so you can avoid the pain and stress of a wisdom tooth emergency later!