Some toothaches are caused by conditions that can be treated relatively easily, such as tooth sensitivity or decay that can be addressed with a small filling. However, if you are experiencing discomfort at the rear of your jaw, it may be due to impacted wisdom teeth. Patients who have this symptom and have not yet undergone wisdom tooth extraction should consult with an oral surgeon to investigate treatment options.
In the jaws of most modern humans, there is not enough space to accommodate the large third molars. However, the wisdom teeth will continue to try to erupt through the gums anyway. This process results in discomfort for the patient and can also shift the nearby teeth out of the proper alignment. The discomfort can be quite severe and persistent. It is unlikely to resolve without some type of intervention.
An oral surgeon can remove your wisdom teeth in a single appointment. The procedure is completed surgically because it is usually necessary to remove surrounding bone before removing the wisdom teeth. Patients will typically receive sedation for the procedure, so it is necessary to make arrangements for a responsible adult to accompany you to the appointment.
In addition to getting relief from your toothache, wisdom tooth extraction will reduce the increased risks of issues such as cysts, tumors and infections that impacted wisdom teeth face.
Many patients choose to be proactive about wisdom tooth extraction, wanting to prevent these issues from ever developing. It is also generally recommended that patients who are considering wisdom tooth extraction to move forward with this intervention before their mid-twenties. As you get older, the roots of your wisdom teeth get longer and more solidified in the jaw, making it more complicated to extract them.
Are you experiencing pain in the vicinity of your wisdom teeth? Come to the office of Dr. Chris Tye for an evaluation to learn if your wisdom teeth are impacted and what treatment is recommended in your case.
