Did you know you can get a cavity in your wisdom tooth? Cavities are a frequent dental problem that multiple people face. Any part of your tooth can experience decay, resulting in a pit or hole known as a cavity if not treated on time. Since tooth decay stages are progressive, you need immediate dental care to prevent further enamel erosion and save your tooth. But is it the same with a wisdom tooth cavity? Continue reading this blog to learn more about cavities in your third molar.
Can You Get Tooth Decay in Wisdom Teeth?
You might have thought that the third molars cause pain and discomfort when they’re growing — but the problems don’t end there. Wisdom teeth, just like any other tooth, are susceptible to decay. This is especially true if you have an impacted wisdom tooth because this allows food and bacteria to build up. Thus, the debris collects between the third molar and its neighboring teeth, leading to decay and cavities. Moreover, it can be challenging to clean wisdom teeth, which could allow cavities to form.
In short, your wisdom teeth can develop tooth decay and cavities since they’re harder to clean, especially if they’re impacted.
Wisdom Tooth Cavity: Symptoms
It might be tricky to confirm if you have a cavity or not. However, certain factors and indications can help you realize that you might have cavities. The following cavity symptoms might help you determine if decay has reached your wisdom tooth or not:
- Pain or discomfort around your wisdom tooth area at the back of your mouth.
- Swelling close to the affected tooth
- Defects like dents, holes, or chips on the tooth’s surface
- Black spot on tooth or discoloration
- Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to sweet and sugary foods or beverages
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
Your dentist can diagnose a cavity after an oral exam. Therefore, visit your dentist for a dental examination if you suspect a wisdom tooth cavity.
Wisdom Tooth Cavity Treatment
Your dentist can treat the wisdom tooth cavity. Nonetheless, the treatment might depend on factors like the size and location of the cavity. Furthermore, your tooth’s condition might help the dentist decide which treatment to choose. Here are some wisdom tooth cavity treatment options:
1. Dental Filling
The dentist might suggest tooth filling for the cavity. This procedure helps prevent the decay from becoming worse. Thus, you can keep the cavity from spreading by practicing proper oral care. This way, the pain, and discomfort are reduced as proper oral hygiene doesn’t let food fragments linger in the cavity longer.
2. Dental Crown
You can protect your wisdom tooth from further damage, like tooth decay, by placing a dental cap over it. The dental crown helps shield the cavity after treatment. As a result, no food particles, drinks, or bacteria will reach the cavity. In addition, a dental cap will keep your third molar strong, preventing it from weakening or breaking.
3. Tooth Extraction
It’s possible that your wisdom tooth might be beyond repair due to a severe cavity. Or, perhaps, the third molar causes frequent discomfort. In such cases, the dentist might recommend wisdom tooth extraction to remove the affected molar.
What’s the Takeaway?
A wisdom tooth cavity can occur for a number of reasons. Treatment is possible depending on a few factors. If you have dental issues, contact Sair Dental Group at:
- (832) 924-2666 (8410 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77074)
- (281) 558-1199 (10345 Club Creek Dr, Houston TX 77036)