Decayed Wisdom Tooth? Here’s What You Should Know
Of all your teeth, wisdom teeth are the most likely to experience decay. Located all the way at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are harder to reach with a tooth brush and floss. Even if you’re dedicated to your oral hygiene, the challenges of cleaning a wisdom tooth mean that food particles, plaque, and bacteria can be left behind—eventually leading to a decayed wisdom tooth.
Many people have their wisdom teeth removed early enough that decay never becomes a problem. But if you’re dealing with a cavity or tooth decay in your wisdom teeth, you may be wondering what to do. Do you need to have the tooth removed? Or can it be filled and saved?
In this article, we get into everything you need to know about decayed wisdom teeth: the causes (to help you prevent problems in the future), whether decayed wisdom teeth can be saved (and in what circumstances), the risks of delaying treatment, and when an extraction is best.
How Cavities in Wisdom Teeth Cause Decay
The first stage of wisdom tooth decay is almost always a cavity.
A cavity is a hole in the enamel around the tooth, and it’s often caused by trapped food, bacteria, or plaque. Filled quickly, cavities are a minor inconvenience. Left untreated, cavities in wisdom teeth can spread, impacting not just the tooth’s enamel, but also the dentin, pulp, surrounding gum tissue, and jaw bone.
Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to decay and cavities for a number of reasons, including:
- Their location. Positioned at the very back of the mouth, it is harder to brush and floss wisdom teeth well, increasing the risk that cavity-causing bacteria and plaque are not removed through regular care.
- Their risk of complications. For many people, wisdom teeth partially erupt or grow in at an angle. Both can create tight spaces where bacteria and debris collect, while also putting undue pressure on both the wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth.
- The likelihood of excess gum tissue. Gum tissue that partially covers the tooth is common when wisdom teeth are not properly aligned and erupted. This tissue, often forming a flap called an operculum, can trap bacteria and moisture between the gums and the tooth.
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase the chance of developing a wisdom teeth cavity. Diets that are high in sugar or acidic foods, use of tobacco products, frequent alcohol consumption, and snacking throughout the day can all increase your risk of experiencing tooth decay, along with dry mouth and a family history of tooth decay.
Can a Decayed Wisdom Tooth Be Saved?
In some cases, a wisdom tooth may be able to be saved with a filling or a crown, just like any other tooth. A decayed wisdom tooth may be saved if the decay is minimal and the tooth is fully erupted, straight, and not negatively impacting any of the neighboring teeth.
However, because of the high risk of complications with wisdom teeth, extraction is the most common treatment. While wisdom teeth helped early humans process their rough diets, they are not necessary for the modern palate. They commonly grow in crooked—and that’s if they fully erupt at all. Plus, they’re difficult to clean, and once cavities have developed, they’re likely to return. Removing the tooth is often the best way to eliminate all of these concerns.
An oral surgeon can help to assess the state of your teeth and give you recommendations as to whether saving the tooth is possible or if extraction is necessary.
Will a Decaying Wisdom Tooth Eventually Fall Out?
If not treated, a decaying wisdom tooth may eventually loosen and fall out. However, preventing treatment and waiting for the tooth to come out naturally is generally not advised. Doing so increases the risk of tooth fracture, the spread of decay, and other complications like bone loss.
When Extraction Is the Better Option
Extracting a decayed wisdom tooth is often the best option for treatment. This is particularly true when:
- The tooth is impacted or partially erupted
- The decay is severe, especially if it has reached the nerve
- There’s infection or swelling in and around the tooth
- The tooth is pressing against the neighboring molar
- The patient is experiencing pain or recurring cavities in the area
If you’re not experiencing wisdom tooth decay pain, it may be tempting to delay treatment. While the idea of a wisdom tooth extraction can be scary, the procedure is completely safe, especially when performed by an oral surgery specialist.
Learn more about sedation options for wisdom teeth removal.
Is a Decayed Wisdom Tooth Easier to Extract?
A decayed wisdom is not necessarily easier to extract. In fact, it can be much more difficult. Severe decay can lead to fragmentation of the tooth, requiring careful removal of each piece. It can also negatively affect the health of the gum tissue, jaw bone, and surrounding teeth, complicating the procedure and recovery period.
What Happens If You Leave a Decayed Wisdom Tooth Untreated?
Treating your wisdom tooth decay quickly is essential to prevent additional issues that can negatively impact your oral and overall health. Untreated wisdom tooth decay may lead to any number of complications, including:
- Infection or abscesses
- Pain or swelling
- Jaw stiffness
- Bone loss or damage to surrounding teeth
- Systemic health problems resulting from the spread of oral bacteria
When to Call a Specialist
While many general dentists are qualified to remove a wisdom tooth under normal circumstances, decayed wisdom tooth extraction is often far more complex. Oral surgeons specialize in handling complex tooth extractions where decay, infections, and impaction are involved—and they’re skilled in ensuring a safe and comfortable experience too.
The expert oral surgery team at Bergen Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has been handling complex wisdom teeth extractions for more than 70 years. Our four offices located in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood have collectively received over 2,000 Google reviews with a near-perfect five-star rating.
With dual-degree surgeons on staff, four comfortable locations throughout the county, and several types of sedation available, our goal is to help keep you anxiety- and stress-free throughout the procedure.
The longer you ignore a decaying wisdom tooth, the more complicated treatment will be—so don’t wait. Our practice is trusted by both local dentists and patients, a trust that is reflected in our reviews. Schedule a consultation with Bergen Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to assess your situation, learn about your options, and start the treatment plan that is right for you.
Helpful Links:
Suggested Next Reading:
- Is It Possible to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
- Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Wisdom Teeth and Sinus Problems
FAQ
Still have questions about your decayed wisdom teeth? Here are some of the most common questions we receive at BOMS.
Can a wisdom tooth cause tooth decay?
Between their location at the back of the mouth, the challenges of cleaning them, and the risk of improper growth, wisdom teeth are far more likely to experience decay than other teeth. Untreated, this decay can spread throughout the mouth.
Can a decayed wisdom tooth cause headaches?
While a minor cavity is not likely to cause headaches, untreated tooth decay can cause headaches. It is common for the pain resulting from severe tooth decay and related complications to radiate throughout the face and jaw and into the head.
