Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, normally during the late teen or early twenties years. For some, there is no issue with them at all, while others have their share of normal problems—one of the biggest is cavities. Since these teeth live in the far back part of the mouth, they might be difficult to clean, which means they have a greater risk of decay. If you believe that you have a cavity in your wisdom tooth, knowing what treatment options are available can help you make the right decision prior to it progressing into worse situations.
Why are Wisdom Teeth More Prone to Developing Cavities?
Cavities may occur in any tooth, but wisdom teeth possess specific issues that lead them to become more prone to decay:
- Hard to Clean: Because of their location, it’s difficult to brush and floss them properly, allowing plaque to accumulate.
- Partial Eruption: Partially erupted wisdom teeth leave small remnants of gum tissue where bacteria can colonize.
- Food Trapping: Crooked or impacted wisdom teeth create tight spaces that allow bacteria and food to trap.
- Limited Space: If there is not sufficient space for wisdom teeth to develop normally, they may push against the other teeth, further complicating cleaning.
Treatment Options Depending on the Severity of Cavity
The appropriate treatment varies with the depth of the cavity and if the tooth is savable.
1. Small Cavities: Fillings
If decay is caught early and the wisdom tooth is in a good position, a filling can stop the cavity from advancing further. The dentist removes the decayed area and fills it with tooth-colored material to make it functional again.
2. Moderate Decay: Crowns or Root Canals
If a cavity has extended deeper but the tooth is still functional, other procedures may be needed:
- Dental Crowns: If the majority of the tooth is damaged, a crown can protect it from further harm.
- Root Canal: In certain cases, if the decay reaches the tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be performed to remove the diseased pulp tissue and save the tooth.
3. Advanced Decay: Removal
If the rot has killed most of the tooth, your only option is wisdom teeth extractions in North Side, especially if the tooth is deeply impacted, crooked, or not important to your bite. Removal avoids pain, infection, and damage to other teeth.
How to Decide Whether to Save or Remove the Tooth?
Every wisdom tooth cavity is different, and the best decision depends on:
- Tooth Position: If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted and well-positioned, it may be possible to save it.
- Decay Stage: Little cavities are often repairable, but serious decay may require extraction.
- General Oral Health: If the wisdom tooth is sore, crowded, or causing gum issues, the best course may be removal. As the tooth will not be in a good position for your oral health.
- Risk of Future Problems: Affected or inaccessible wisdom teeth will probably have more problems, so removing them would be a preventive measure.
A dentist will assess the condition of the tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
A wisdom tooth cavity might not always be painful, but letting it go will result in severe dental issues. Whether it’s a filling, crown, or extraction, an early fix averts unnecessary pain and keeps your overall oral health safe.
If you suspect a cavity in your wisdom tooth, don’t wait—come in to discuss your options.
