Wisdom teeth are usually the last adult teeth to come through and tend to erupt in the later teens or early twenties. Known as the third molars, they do not always come through the gums at all, and if they do, sometimes they may not be straight.
In these cases, there may be an increased risk of infection. Gaps allow debris to gather and bacteria to grow, which raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Some experts recommend the early removal of wisdom teeth to avoid such occurrences, while others believe it is best to leave them alone if possible.
However, one situation where your dentist is very likely to recommend removal is if a wisdom tooth is broken. While it is possible to retain the broken tooth, to avoid further complications, it is best to get the tooth removed completely.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Break?
As wisdom teeth are the last to come through, there may be limited space in your mouth. As they try to erupt through your gum, another tooth may already be occupying the same spot. Your wisdom tooth may come through at an unnatural angle, or even crack as it forces its way out.
Wisdom teeth may be more likely to break than your other teeth if they have not erupted correctly. You may find it more challenging to use those teeth to chew, and there is a greater chance of decay if it is harder to clean thoroughly around that area.
As with any other tooth, your wisdom teeth are susceptible to blunt force trauma, such as an impact on your jaw, or biting into something hard. If your teeth crack, or fragments of your wisdom tooth break off, this is likely to cause discomfort.
Risks from Having a Broken Wisdom Tooth
Bacteria can thrive in gaps where bits of the tooth broke. A gap in a wisdom tooth is a hospitable environment for an infection and a weak point in the tooth.
Additionally, a broken or cracked wisdom tooth puts the entire tooth’s health at risk. Bacteria can invade the tooth and infect the dental pulp. In those cases, the tooth must either be extracted or given a root canal treatment. In most cases, it’s better just to remove the tooth.
It is essential to see your dentist quickly if you have a broken wisdom tooth. Your dentist will carry out an assessment and tell you if you should have a wisdom tooth extraction.
Although it is possible to fill a broken tooth, or repair it using a crown, you will want to consider removing your wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth usually do not bring any real benefits to your mouth, but they can increase the chances of breakages and infections.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist can perform the procedure in just one visit. Depending on how your tooth has erupted through the gums and sits in the jawbone, you may need a simple or complex extraction.
In a simple extraction, your dentist numbs the area around the tooth and using a rocking motion, loosens the tooth from its socket. In a complex extraction, you may require general anesthesia or conscious sedation, especially if you are an anxious patient.
Your dentist makes an incision in the gum line and breaks the tooth into sections, removing the pieces. After the extraction, your dentist places a piece of gauze over the site to stem the bleeding and may use sutures. Bring a chaperon to drive you home, as the sedation’s effects can last in the body for a few hours after your procedure.
Aftercare
Your recovery time is crucial, and your dentist advises on how you can help minimize any discomfort and assist your body’s natural healing processes. The areas where your dentist removes the teeth may feel tender and swollen. You should use an ice pack to gently press around the affected areas to help soothe your gums.
It is fine to take over-the-counter medications, as recommended by your dentist. Your dentist may also prescribe you pain relievers for the first few days.
Adjust your diet for a minimum of one week. Avoid hard or chewy foods and instead opt for soft or blended alternatives. Your oral cavity has been through an operation, and now it needs time to heal. Eating soft foods allows your mouth to rest and reduces the risk of dislodging the blood clot or stitches.
It’s essential to follow a good oral hygiene regime to reduce the risk of infection. Using a warm salt water rinse can also help kill off infections which may require further treatment and cause unnecessary discomfort. Do not spit the rinse out; instead, tip your head and allow it to spill into the sink.
After your symptoms have subsided, your mouth will feel and act as normal. Wisdom teeth usually play little part in chewing, so their removal should not impact how you eat or speak.
Final Thoughts
A broken wisdom tooth can be painful and lead to further complications. In the event of a broken wisdom tooth, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. In the majority of cases, your dentist will recommend extraction.
If you’re concerned you have a broken tooth or feel your wisdom teeth are not erupting correctly, call No Gaps Dental today on (02) 8007 6727. Our skilled and compassionate team can arrange for a consultation to assess your wisdom teeth.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.