Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. For many people, this happens in the late teens or early twenties. When wisdom teeth come in, they often cause crowding and may need to be removed.
After the wisdom tooth removal procedure, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience some soreness and swelling. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. However, some people may continue to feel pain and tenderness in the area where the wisdom tooth was removed years later. What to do if your gum hurts where a wisdom tooth was removed years ago?
My Gum Hurts Where a Wisdom Tooth Was Removed Years Ago: Reasons
There are a few reasons why your gum hurts where a wisdom tooth was removed years ago. One possibility is that you have a condition called pericoronitis. This occurs when food and bacteria get trapped under the gum flap that covers your wisdom tooth. This can cause inflammation and pain.
Another possibility is that the nerve in the area was damaged during the removal procedure. This can result in ongoing pain, numbness, or tingling. Additionally, it’s possible that you have developed an infection in the bone or surrounding tissue. This can also cause pain, swelling, and redness.
Recent studies have also shown that wisdom teeth removal can lead to long-term jaw problems. In some cases, the removal of wisdom teeth can cause the jaw to weaken and change shape. This can result in pain and stiffness in the jaw, as well as headaches.
My Gum Hurts Where a Wisdom Tooth Was Removed Years Ago: Treatment
If you’re still experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in the area where your wisdom tooth was removed, it’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment.
In some cases, over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs may be all that you need to manage your pain. However, if you have an infection or pericoronitis, you may need antibiotics. If the nerve was damaged during the removal procedure, you may need a root canal or other dental procedure.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, but it’s not without its risks. If you’re still experiencing pain years later, it’s important to see your dentist to determine the cause and find the best treatment option for you.
My Gum Hurts Where a Wisdom Tooth Was Removed Years Ago: Prevention
To help prevent pain and other complications after wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to take care of your mouth and follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions. This includes eating soft foods, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and brushing and flossing carefully.
You should also avoid smoking and using straws, as these can increase the risk of dry socket. Dry socket is a condition that can occur after wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and require additional treatment.
Additionally to the above, it’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon for follow-up appointments. They will be able to check for any complications and determine if you need any additional treatment.
Remember about good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can help to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
While wisdom teeth removal is a common and usually safe procedure, there are some risks involved. If you’re still experiencing pain years later, it’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the cause and find the best treatment option for you.
Summary
If your gum hurts where a wisdom tooth was removed years ago, it’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment.
The best way to prevent pain and other complications after wisdom teeth removal is to take care of your mouth and follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions. This includes eating soft foods, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and brushing and flossing carefully. You should also see your dentist or oral surgeon for follow-up appointments. Thanks for reading!
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