If your wisdom teeth are causing you some discomfort, you’re not alone. These “right of passage” third molars typically erupt between the young adult ages of 17 and 25. While many adults don’t have problems, there are just as many who do, requiring a visit to see a dental professional. It’s not uncommon to assume that you might need an oral surgeon to handle wisdom teeth problems.
However, Endodontists also play a key role in evaluating and treating wisdom tooth complications. We’ll help you understand some of the unique advantages a Boynton Beach Endodontist can offer with your wisdom teeth health, and we’ll cover some of the most common issues these oral healthcare professionals can help you address.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
Officially and by definition, an Endodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in studying diseases of the dental pulp. An Endodontist can assess whether nerve damage or root issues are involved, especially when the impacted tooth is too close to the inferior alveolar nerve (a nerve that runs along the jaw.) They commonly treat issues related to roots and nerves, like root canals. But they’re also skilled in:
- Diagnosing and treating tooth pain
- Pain management during dental procedures
- Microsurgical techniques
- Managing acute dental pain
Issues Caused By Wisdom Teeth
Even if you’re not currently experiencing any wisdom tooth pain, you could have underlying issues. The most common wisdom teeth complications include the following.
Impactions
A wisdom tooth impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth becomes trapped in the gums or the jawbone. Either the tooth is not growing in properly or has shifted position. Impactions can lead to infections or other complications if not addressed. Typically, the remedy for an impaction is a wisdom tooth extraction.
Misalignment
Misalignments happen when wisdom teeth attempt to erupt in a jawbone that doesn’t have room to house another row of teeth or if a wisdom tooth has shifted in position. In both of these scenarios, the wisdom teeth put pressure on existing teeth, which can change their position in the mouth and cause crowding.
Cysts or Root Infection
In some cases, an unerupted wisdom tooth can develop a cyst, which can damage bone and nearby teeth. Or, the area can become infected, leading to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that can be painful and serious if left untreated.
Root Resorption
If a wisdom tooth is pressing up against a neighboring molar, it may trigger root resorption, where the neighboring tooth’s root begins to dissolve. This is a silent issue that’s often caught on X-rays.
Wisdom Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth are situated toward the very back of the mouth. This is often a difficult spot to brush and floss thoroughly. Pair a difficult spot with a slightly different position than the other teeth, and you have a combination of wisdom teeth that are at high risk for cavities.
Gum Inflammation and Infection
Wisdom teeth can partially erupt, meaning there is some gum still covering the tooth. Food particles, bacteria, and hardened plaque can get trapped under this section of gum and become infected and develop into pericoronitis.
Potential Complications if Wisdom Teeth Issues Aren’t Addressed
Some of these wisdom teeth issues are less severe than others, but are no less important to address as soon as possible.
Complex medical complications that can arise include:
- Adjacent tooth damage can create new dental issues or undo orthodontic work.
- Sepsis or other systemic infections.
- Sinus and TMJ problems can develop from impacted upper wisdom teeth.
- Bone loss can occur from impacted teeth, weakening overall jaw structure.
- Nerve damage from cysts, infections, or inflammation of wisdom teeth.
- Chronic gum disease can potentially lead to endocarditis, a heart infection.
How a Boynton Beach Endodontist Can Help
Preserve Nerves, Roots, and Bone
Wisdom teeth can have root canal procedures or other microsurgical procedures to address infection. Endodontists help address these smaller structures so that infections can be treated effectively, so that nerve, bone, and root damage can be minimized. After these infections are addressed, further surgery can then happen without a heightened risk of spreading the infection.
Reduce the Risk of Serious Infection
Many endodontic procedures aim to reduce infections and preserve the structures of the mouth. Treating wisdom teeth inflammation or infection can further reduce the risk of larger, more systemic infections if wisdom teeth extraction isn’t an option right away or if wisdom teeth erupt appropriately and don’t necessarily need an extraction.
Advanced Techniques, Training, and Expertise
Endodontists are specially trained in microsurgical techniques and specialize extensively in the inner tissues of the teeth. They are an important part of your comprehensive dental care team and have more expertise to offer dental clients when developing a dental care plan concerning wisdom tooth issues.
Some of these advanced techniques include:
- 3D imaging
- Microscopic endodontics
- Laser-assisted endodontics
Complex Dental Pain Management
Some patients experience difficulty with pain management during dental procedures. An Endodontist’s expertise in the nerves and roots of teeth allows them to provide precise and effective pain management for patients who have trouble staying numb. Managing dental pain effectively allows clients to have a more positive experience and experience reduced dental anxiety.
When to See an Endodontist for Your Wisdom Teeth
Don’t wait until you’re in serious pain before you seek oral healthcare. Make an appointment to see your local Endodontist or ask your general dentist for a referral if any of these conditions sound familiar:
- You’ve been told your wisdom teeth are close to important nerves.
- You’ve had recurring infections near the wisdom tooth site.
- You’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain near your molars.
- You want a second opinion about whether a problematic wisdom tooth can be saved.
Talk to Our Boynton Beach Endodontist About Your Wisdom Teeth
If you’re dealing with any of these common wisdom teeth issues, or you need a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable dental care team, Erik’s Dental Group is your place. We handle everything from wisdom teeth to regular cleanings and check-ups, to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and more.
Our team is dedicated to healthy smiles and happy, comfortable clients. Call 561-733-4004 to schedule an appointment, or send us a quick message.