What To Do If You Your Wisdom Tooth Has A Sharp Edge
Does your wisdom tooth feel like it has a sharp edge that you feel with your tongue? Many wisdom teeth erupt with solid points, making them a nuisance. These irregularities may be from how the wisdom teeth developed or a break in the wisdom tooth that left a sharp edge that you are feeling now. Whatever the reason, it is a problem that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Why is my wisdom tooth so sharp?
As mentioned, there are two leading causes of sharp wisdom teeth:
- A genetically formed wisdom tooth that has a sharp point
- A cavity that has worn or broken down the wisdom tooth leaving it with a sharp edge
What symptoms can a sharp-edged wisdom tooth cause?
These wisdom teeth become a real problem because the sharp edge can scrape into your cheeks, leaving you with raw, inflamed, and tender tissue inside your mouth. These fibromas are often surgically removed. If you have this symptom, it’s prudent to have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent further complications.
Can a sharp wisdom tooth be filed down?
If a minor fracture has broken off a piece of the wisdom tooth, the small sharp area may be smoothed down by your dentist. More extensive tooth fractures caused by cavities commonly lead to tooth extractions by your clinical team.
What is the best method to treat a sharp wisdom tooth?
The best treatment is to have your sharp wisdom tooth removed by a trained oral surgeon. Many dental offices will recommend their removal, but remember, you do not need a referral to have your wisdom tooth extracted by a specialist.
Should I try to smooth our a sharp wisdom tooth on my own?
NO! Do not touch your tooth as bacteria may enter the area and cause a dental infection. In addition, broken-down wisdom teeth that leave a sharp edge are susceptible to abscesses which can cause a host of problems inside the mouth. Severe cases may even lead to sepsis and hospitalization of some patients.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
The following are steps taken by your dental team to remove a wisdom tooth:
- The patient is given an oral and written consent form going over the risks of a wisdom tooth extraction.
- The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine is commonly used these days).
- The tooth is loosened by various instruments such as luxators and elevators.
- A dental forcep is used once the tooth is loose for the final part of the extraction process.
- The hole of the extraction site is cleaned and rinsed with saline
- Gauze is used for the patient to bite into to stop the bleeding
- Antibiotics and Ibuprofen are normally prescribed to help assist with the healing process
If you are suffering from a sharp wisdom tooth, our team at Best Dental is here to help. With over 50,000 wisdom teeth extracted by our experts, you know you are in good hands.