The Painful Truth About a Broken Wisdom Tooth: Causes and Treatment Options
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of your mouth. They usually come in during your late teens or early twenties, but not everyone has them. If they do, it’s common for them to grow in sideways, partially emerge, or remain trapped in your gums.
While wisdom teeth are not always problematic, a broken wisdom tooth can lead to serious pain and discomfort. When a wisdom tooth breaks, it exposes the sensitive inner structures of the tooth to bacteria, which can cause infection and inflammation.
Causes of Broken Wisdom Teeth
There are several reasons why a wisdom tooth may break. One common cause is decay. Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, and the molars are prone to decay due to the deep crevices on their surfaces. When decay eats away at the enamel, the tooth becomes weakened and susceptible to breaking.
Another cause of broken wisdom teeth is trauma. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth that’s pressing against adjacent teeth, the pressure can eventually cause the tooth to fracture. Similarly, if you clench your teeth or grind them at night, this can also lead to a broken wisdom tooth.
Lastly, a broken wisdom tooth could be due to simple wear and tear. As you age, your teeth become more brittle and prone to breaking. If you have a wisdom tooth that’s been in your mouth for several decades, it’s possible that it will eventually break.
Treatment Options for Broken Wisdom Teeth
If you have a broken wisdom tooth, your dentist will likely recommend extraction. Extractions are the most common treatment for broken wisdom teeth because they remove the source of the pain and prevent further damage to adjacent teeth.
Before extracting the tooth, your dentist will provide you with local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Once you’re numb, the dentist will use a dental instrument to loosen the tooth and remove it from your mouth. If the tooth is impacted or hasn’t fully emerged from your gums, your dentist may need to make a small incision in your gum tissue to access the tooth.
After your tooth has been removed, your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for the extraction site. You should avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for several days and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to promote healing.
Conclusion
A broken wisdom tooth can cause immense pain and discomfort and can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. While there are several causes of broken wisdom teeth, decay, trauma, and wear and tear are the most common. If you have a broken wisdom tooth, your dentist will likely recommend extraction as the best treatment option. Be sure to follow your dentist’s post-extraction care instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
