If you are reading this you are probably suffering from wisdom tooth pain. I’d bet you are between the ages of 17 to 25, as that is when they usually try to erupt. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a common source of pain as they try to come through the gum tissue. There is usually not enough room for them in the average mouth. The ultimate solution to solving the problem is their removal. This is usually done by an oral surgeon. What follows are some tips to help ease the pain until they can be

removed.

The cause of the pain

If you are in pain it is usually caused by inflammation of the gum tissue around the tooth. This can be caused by food getting caught around the tooth. The gum then swells and often bleeds easily. Sometimes the gum can swell so much that you can wind up biting on it which will cause additional swelling and pain.

What you can do

Pain from inflamed gum tissue can possibly be reduced by aggressively cleaning the area with a tooth brush. The goal of this is to remove the dental plaque and the bacteria it contains. Brushing with a toothpaste designed to improve gum health, such as Parodontax, can potentially help. A rinse you can use that might be helpful is to mix up 1/4 teaspoon of bleach in 8 ounces of water. This amount should be good for about one week. Mix it in a covered mason jar. Rinse with a small amount of this solution for 1 minute then rinse with tap water. Do not swallow this solution. The solution is designed to reduce bacteria which can be one source of the pain and inflammation.

When to see a dentist

If your pain continues more than a couple of days or if you have any swelling of your face you need to see a dentist. Pain in your neck on the side of the wisdom tooth can be swollen lymph nodes which also indicate the need to seek dental care. If you have an infection that the body is responding to it is beyond anything you can treat at home.

What your dentist will do

Your dentist will evaluate the area to see if you can keep your teeth or if they need to be extracted. At times the problem is localized to the flap of skin over the tooth. This tissue can often be removed if there is enough room for your wisdom teeth to come in. At times the dentist will clean out the area around the tooth to provide some temporary relief. They may prescribe antibiotics. Often it is best to remove the tooth as soon as possible.

Wisdom tooth pain can be avoided

I have seen so many patients have problems with their wisdom teeth that I routinely recommend removal of all four teeth when space for them is limited. This is often done before the roots have completed their development so the surgery is easier for both the surgeon and patient.

Please remember that pain and swelling is a signal that something is wrong. Always seek medical assistance when small problems continue to worsen. I recommend that even if you are able to eliminate your wisdom tooth pain yourself that you see a dentist to evaluate your teeth as soon as possible. You will never regret taking better care of that smile.

Keep Smiling LI…

Is Your Tooth Pain Keeping You Awake at Night?

There are few things more uncomfortable or difficult than persistent tooth pain, unless it’s a dental emergency after you’ve already gone to bed for the night. At Center For Cosmetic Dentistry, your urgent dental concern is never an inconvenience. We’re always available to help even outside of our normal business hours.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you might be wondering why and what you can do to relieve your symptoms. The first step is contacting Dr. Mitchell Shapiro, but these tips may also help…

Are You Sensitive To Hot, Cold or Sweet Foods?

If discomfort persists, then your sensitivity to temperature or sugar may be the warning sign of a cavity, loose filling or exposed root surface. Persistently sensitive teeth should be examined by Dr. Shapiro, but in the meantime, gently brush and clean the area to keep it free of food particles. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help and you can apply an over the counter, topical numbing gel for temporary relief.

Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to have some sensitivity after dental work is done. It may take a few days, or even a few weeks, before the area settles down. Be sure to call us right away if the pain worsens or continues.

Do You Experience Sharp Pain When You Bite Down?

If a cavity is forming, you have a loose filling, or a cracked tooth, you may suffer from sharp pain when you’re chewing or biting down. Dr. Shapiro can treat your cavity, replace your filling and restore your cracked tooth, quickly and conveniently in our office.

If sharp tooth pain is keeping you from enjoying your favorite foods or making it difficult to talk, the best thing you can do is call our office right away for prompt treatment and relie

Are You Suffering From Tooth Pain, Pressure and Swelling?

When a tooth is throbbing or too painful to touch and the gums appear swollen, an infection (or abscess) may be the root of your problem.
Often times, such symptoms can require a root canal, but Dr. Shapiro will advise you best upon examining your sore tooth. This kind of dental emergency doesn’t get better with time, but needs urgent treatment at Center For Cosmetic Dentistry. For immediate relief, prior to your appointment, over the counter pain relievers  (naproxen (Aleve) is Dr. Shapiro’s favorite) may provide temporary easing of pain.

Was Your Tooth Knocked Out?

When an adult tooth is accidentally knocked out, acting quickly is important to save and restore your natural tooth. If the tooth has not been lost, carefully pick it up by the crown, being cautious not to touch the root. The tooth may be gently rinsed with water, if it’s dirty. Place the tooth back into the empty socket as soon as possible.
If you cannot replace the tooth in your gums, it needs to be kept moist in a special over the counter preservation solution, milk or tucked into your mouth, beside your cheek. (Don’t’ store it in water, which can affect the dental root.)

Most especially, call us right away to let us know you’re on your way. The sooner we see you, the more likely it is that your natural tooth can be saved.

Did A Restoration Break?

Fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures can break for any number of reasons. Perhaps you bit down on a hard candy at just the right angle, maybe you were involved in an accident, or possibly your restoration broke due to gradual weakening and wear over time.
Whatever the reason, a broken restoration is seldom painful, but often inconvenient. A quick call to our office can answer your questions about how to handle your particular dental concerns and an emergency appointment can be made to treat it.
Never try to re-cement or smooth sharp edges on your tooth or restoration. Professional care is needed to ensure that further damage doesn’t occur and to increase the chance that your restoration can be salvaged.

Your Dental Emergency

If you’re suffering from an urgent dental concern, don’t endure discomfort another moment, when relief is just a phone call away. Emergency appointments are always available and should your emergency occur after normal business hours, Dr. Shapiro will return your urgent call shortly.

Keep smiling LI…