Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
When a tooth cannot reach its normal functional position, it is said to be in impaction, a pathological condition. The discomfort caused by this impaction can make daily activities difficult. This article summarises the causes of the pain, whether using quick fixes at home could be helpful, and the importance of getting a dental checkup for an impacted wisdom tooth.
Why does having an impacted wisdom tooth hurt?
A tooth is said to be “impacted” if it is prevented from erupting into a normally functional position. The potential causes could be a lack of space, a tooth getting in the way, or an unusual eruption path. Third-molar impaction is indicated by a throbbing pain under the gums behind the second molars that is brought on by the wisdom teeth’s inability to erupt through the gums’ surface.
Is it possible to treat impacted wisdom tooth pain at home?
No, using home remedies only provides short-term relief from the tooth pain brought on by the impacted wisdom tooth. It is noteworthy that wisdom teeth typically erupt when a person is between the ages of 17 and 21. Normally, it might hurt when a tooth pushes through the gums. However, the wisdom tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room in the mouth for it to fully erupt. Thus, a tooth’s inability to erupt can be extremely painful.
Even though they are not a long-term fix for the issue, some at-home pain therapeutics have been mentioned. Mouth rinses with warm salt water are the most widely used treatment. In addition to somewhat reducing pain, this can promote healthy gums and eliminate harmful bacteria. Clove essential oil is yet another effective pain reliever. In addition to these, wheat grass, transitory ice packs, therapeutic menthol mouthwashes, and lavender essential oil can all be temporary pain relievers.
Why is it not a good idea to ignore an impacted third molar?
Wisdom tooth impaction should be noted as a very frequent occurrence. A tooth that fails to erupt, however, needs special care because it is not in its normal position. If impacted third molars are left untreated, the bacterial buildup that causes infections, gum disease, and deep cavities may become more severe. In addition, some people might get cysts around their wisdom teeth, and impacted teeth can harm nearby teeth. This is because they are more challenging to clean and, given where they are, might encourage poor oral hygiene. As a result, the dentist must assess how the impacted wisdom teeth are doing.
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