Wisdom tooth decay can occur in some cases, and depending on your condition, the doctor may choose a treatment plan that suits you. In this article from L'ORO Clinic, we will present the most important symptoms that help you determine whether your wisdom tooth is decayed or not, the main causes of this decay, and the damage that may result from it, in addition to the most important treatment methods. So, follow us to the end.
.Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Decay
There are symptoms that can indicate wisdom tooth decay, which should be paid attention to. Early recognition of these symptoms may alleviate the side effects of decay. Here are the most important symptoms:
Severe pain in the back of the mouth.
.Feeling pain when eating sugary foods or very hot or cold foods.
.Visible black cavities on the surface of the wisdom tooth.
.Presence of some white spots on the surface of the teeth.
.Change in breath to a bad odor, even with good oral hygiene.
.Gum inflammation and swelling.
.Wisdom Tooth Inflammation
.Pain in the jaw where the decayed tooth is located.
.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Decay
There are various causes that can lead to wisdom tooth decay, and the causes differ depending on the nature of the tooth, whether it is fully erupted or not. These causes include:
Difficulty reaching these teeth
Due to the difficulty of reaching these erupted teeth, they cannot be cleaned properly, and the toothbrush cannot reach them, leading to their decay. You also cannot reach them with dental floss.
.Lack of oral hygiene
Neglecting oral hygiene can cause decay in erupted, non-impacted teeth, especially with the accumulation of food and bacteria around these teeth.
.Impacted teeth
The presence of
an impacted tooth
can cause a gap or pocket that is difficult to reach and clean, leading to the formation of bacteria that cause decay.
.Crowded teeth
When there is crowding and overlapping of teeth, the chances of decay increase due to the inability to clean them.
.Dry mouth
Dry mouth is one of the causes of decay due to a lack of saliva, which stimulates the growth of decay-causing bacteria.
.Consuming too much sugar
The tooth can decay if you consume foods that contain a large amount of sugars and carbohydrates, which increase the growth of bacteria inside the mouth.
.Abnormal wisdom tooth growth
If the wisdom tooth grows twisted or tilted, the chances of decay increase due to the inability to clean it.
.Read also: Tooth Decay and Everything You Need to Know About It
Complications of Wisdom Tooth Decay
Are you wondering about the harms of wisdom tooth decay? And what can result from it? In fact, there are many problems that can result from decay, which can lead to inflammation in the tooth roots, as well as in the gums surrounding the tooth, which can lead to wisdom tooth inflammation, which may cause bigger problems such as dental abscesses.
.Treatment of Wisdom Tooth Decay
There are a number of options that the doctor chooses from based on the condition of the tooth and the severity of the decay. Among the most prominent methods of
treating a decayed wisdom tooth
that are resorted to are the following:
Wisdom tooth filling
This is an option resorted to if there is slight decay in the tooth, where this decay can be eliminated by placing a dental filling, which will help prevent the continuation of decay, and thus the doctor will not resort to extraction. However, it is not suitable for severe cases of decay.
.Treatment with fluoride
This is a treatment used for mild cases, as it helps treat the outer enamel layer of the teeth and prevent the development of decay.
.Root canal treatment
This is a procedure used in cases of severe decay, where the decay has reached the inner part where the nerves and blood vessels are located. The decayed area is removed and filled, then a crown is placed, thus protecting the tooth. This situation is suitable if the tooth has not been completely broken due to decay.
Extraction of a decayed wisdom tooth
This is the last resort when previous options are not possible or if the tooth is impacted. It may be performed through surgical extraction or simple extraction.
Learn more about Methods of wisdom tooth extraction
How to prevent wisdom tooth decay
There are a number of methods you should follow to reduce the chances of decay, including:
- Use dental floss daily, as it can remove food debris between teeth.
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day, and make sure to use fluoride-rich toothpaste. .
- Mouthwash should be part of your oral hygiene routine.
- Drink plenty of water as it helps remove food debris and eliminate bacteria.
- Avoid smoking as it causes damage to teeth and gums.
- Stay away from foods rich in sugars, as well as beverages.
- Visit the dentist regularly; you should visit every 6 months.
Although wisdom tooth decay is a common problem, knowing the causes that contribute to its decay and its early signs will help you avoid problems that may arise from worsening decay. If you wish to treat tooth decay, you can Book your appointment with L'ORO Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: extracting a wisdom tooth or filling it?
It will depend on the severity of the decay and the condition of the wisdom tooth. After diagnosis, the doctor will determine the treatment plan.
Can a decayed wisdom tooth be filled?
Yes, it can be filled in mild cases where the decay has not reached a severe stage that caused the tooth to break.