TL;DR
- Wisdom teeth get cavities easily due to poor cleaning access at the back of the mouth.
- Two treatment options: filling (for small cavities) or extraction (often preferred by dentists).
- Treatment depends on tooth position, cavity size, accessibility, and your dental health.
- Untreated cavities cause infections, intense pain, and damage to nearby teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Cavity Treatment Explained
Wisdom teeth can bring relief when they erupt fully, but sometimes that relief is short-lived. Many people experience pain, sensitivity, or cavities in these late-erupting teeth, leaving them unsure of the best course of action: should the tooth be filled, or is removal the safer option?
This is a common concern, and our experienced dentists at Hopkins Family Dentistry are here to help. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about a wisdom tooth cavity so you can make an informed decision for your oral health.
Can Wisdom Teeth Develop Cavities?
Yes, absolutely. A cavity in a wisdom tooth is a very common phenomenon. Despite their name, wisdom teeth are just like any other teeth in your mouth and are equally susceptible to plaque and decay.
Tooth decay occurs when a sticky film of bacteria, known as plaque, builds up on the tooth surface. These bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, eventually forming a small hole or cavity.
Is Wisdom Tooth Particularly Vulnerable?
Yes, it is. The reason is that your wisdom teeth are located at the far ends of your oral cavity. These areas are often difficult to clean, making it hard for both your toothbrush and floss to reach them. As a result, this limited accessibility can lead to inadequate oral hygiene.
You might even notice food particles or sugary drinks being trapped in those cavities. Thus, the environment becomes very conducive for bacteria to feed on the wisdom tooth enamel and thrive there. You may start noticing other symptoms as well, like:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
- A persistent pain or toothache, especially when you chew your food.
- Unpleasant odor or taste developing from the infected area.
- Visible discoloration of your tooth that your dentist can spot easily.
With the correct diagnosis using X-rays and visual examinations, your dentist can easily confirm whether you have a rotten wisdom tooth cavity or not. These examinations can also highlight the decay between your wisdom tooth and the adjacent molar tooth.
If left untreated, a cavity in a wisdom tooth can lead to serious complications. Bacterial buildup may cause an abscess, resulting in pain that spreads to the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. The decay can also affect neighboring teeth, and in rare cases, severe infection may lead to cyst or benign tumor formation, potentially damaging the jawbone. Prompt dental care is essential to prevent these outcomes.
How Can Your Dentist Treat a Wisdom Tooth Cavity?
Depending on the severity of your cavity, your dentist may either fill the tooth or remove it.
Treatment Options Available:
- Filling: This is viable if your cavity is small enough and the tooth is still in a good position. It also depends on how well you can maintain your oral hygiene.
- Extraction: This is mostly preferred when the cavity is large, the tooth is impacted, or there is a high risk of future complications. Removal not only relieves pain and infection immediately but also prevents damage to adjacent teeth and reduces the risk of cysts or other jaw issues.
Factors That Determine the Treatment Approach:
Several factors govern whether filling is possible as per general dentistry. The decision depends on the position of your tooth, its accessibility, the extent of decay, and your overall oral health.
- Tooth Angulation: Has your wisdom tooth grown in a straight and functional position? If your wisdom has grown in a crooked position or has alignment issues, filing might not be possible.
- Accessibility: As wisdom teeth are present at the extreme ends, it becomes difficult for your dentist to reach them.
- Extent of the Cavity: How large is the wisdom tooth cavity? If the decay is quite extensive, with a cavity reaching your inner pulp, then a tooth filling will not suffice, and extraction may be needed.
- Your Overall Dental Health: If you experience recurring decay or have a non-functional tooth, extraction is often recommended as a preventive measure.
Takeaway
If your wisdom tooth develops a cavity, taking immediate action is essential to protect your oral health and prevent further complications. By understanding the treatment options, following your dentist’s recommendations, and seeking timely dental care, you can ensure that your wisdom tooth cavity is properly addressed. Whether to extract or remove it depends on the discretion of your dentist.
If you are searching for a trusted dentist near hopkins mn, then Hopkins Family Dentistry is your go-to solution for comprehensive dental care. We are a warm, community-focused dental clinic passionate about delivering the best dental care to you and your family. Our experts are here to offer a wide range of dental solutions, including wisdom tooth treatment.
Contact us today to book a consultation!
Address: 1919 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Phone: (952) 935-2121
FAQs
1. What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth cavity?
The symptoms of a wisdom tooth cavity are:
- Persistent toothache
- Hot and cold food sensitivity
- Pain while chewing
- Bad odor
- Bad taste
Sometimes, you may not even witness either of the symptoms during the initial stages.
2. Can a wisdom tooth be filled like any other tooth?
Yes, your dentist can fill a wisdom tooth just like any other tooth. If the cavity is small and the tooth is well-positioned, a filling may be recommended. However, if the tooth is misaligned or difficult to access, a filling may not provide a long-lasting solution.
3. How do I know if I have a wisdom tooth cavity?
You will witness a subtle pain in the beginning, which gradually increases. A dark spot on your infected tooth and a persistent toothache are evident signs of a wisdom tooth cavity. The best way to determine whether you are dealing with it is to consult your dentist and undergo a physical examination. Your dentist may suggest an X-ray.
4. Should you have your wisdom tooth removed if it develops a cavity?
In several cases, yes. Your dentist will often recommend an extraction, especially if your tooth is severely impacted or infected.
5. What are the treatment options available for a wisdom tooth cavity?
Filing and extraction of the cavity in the wisdom tooth are preliminary treatment options. Your choice between them largely depends on the size and location of your cavity, the alignment of your tooth, and your overall oral health.
