Is it better to fill or pull a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth filling

I suggest just having them pulled from the get go. We'll agree that due to their location that wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, leaving them vulnerable, as in your case, to decay and infection.

Should you fill a cavity in a wisdom tooth?

If there is enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to fully erupt without causing crowding or damage to your other teeth, and the position of the tooth allows it to be effectively cleaned going forward, your dentist may recommend that you keep the tooth and treat the cavity with a traditional dental filling.

Should I get wisdom teeth removed or filled?

However, with a wisdom tooth cavity, it's a slightly different story. If the tooth is impacted and causing problems, your dentist will likely recommend extracting it, as the NIH explains. If it isn't, they may still recommend extraction, depending on the condition and placement of the tooth.

Why do dentists not fill wisdom teeth?

Are cavities in wisdom teeth harder to fill? Only in the sense that due to their positioning they can be more difficult for your dentist to access than other teeth. (After all, if you've had trouble brushing and flossing your tooth, your dentist may have difficulties with access too.)

Why experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?

For years, wisdom tooth removal has been a fairly common practice, as many dental experts advise taking them out before they cause problems. But now some dentists don't recommend it because of the risks involved with anesthesia and surgery and the cost of the procedure.

PATIENT EDUCATION - Why should I KEEP my WISDOM TEETH?

Do wisdom teeth rot easier?

Wisdom teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay due to their location at the back of the mouth, which makes it difficult to clean them properly. As a result, it is easy for food particles to build up and create a conducive environment for bacteria that can cause tooth decay over time.

Do fillings weaken teeth?

During the filling process, some tooth cavities may require that the overall tooth be modified in shape by wedging or shaping. This can lead to a weakening in the overall structure of the tooth.

What are signs you need your wisdom teeth pulled?

What are the disadvantages of removing wisdom teeth?

Nerves and blood vessels can be damaged during the procedure. This can cause bleeding and usually temporary numbness in the tongue or face. In very rare cases serious infections may occur. Up to 1 out of 100 people may have permanent problems as a result of the procedure, such as numbness or damage to nearby teeth.

How painful is wisdom teeth removal?

You shouldn't feel any pain as your wisdom teeth are removed because the area will be numb. However, if you do feel pain during the procedure, tell your dentist or oral surgeon so they can give you more anaesthetic. How long it takes to remove the tooth will vary.

What are the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth?

Perhaps the biggest benefit of keeping healthy wisdom teeth is not having to go through oral surgery. For most patients, all four wisdom teeth are removed due to the placement of the teeth and issues they can present later on. When wisdom teeth are healthy, they do not have to be removed, so no surgery is needed.

What are the disadvantages of tooth filling?

There are two main risks to getting fillings: infection and damage. Sometimes when you get a filling, it can pull away from the tooth which leaves a small space open. This space is an area where bacteria can get in and cause more tooth decay and infection. Cavity fillings can also break or fall out completely.

Why is my filling black?

The silver (amalgam) fillings that were used for many years contained a mixture of metal alloy containing, silver, tin, copper and mercury. As with many metals that are exposed to a wet environment they will begin to break down and oxidize, often times turning black.

How long does filling teeth last?

Usually, a filling will last anywhere from 7-20 years, although this depends on the location of the filling, the size, and your dental hygiene. Fillings put up with a lot of stress! Every time you chew, your filling is compromised.

When do wisdom teeth need pulled?

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience changes in the area of those teeth, such as: Pain. Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth. Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)

What does a black wisdom tooth mean?

The tooth may also appear black when damage occurs from the inside. The most common causes of black teeth in these cases are decay or cavities. For example, a tooth with a pulp infection or a dead tooth may turn black. The damage starts on the inside and works its way to the surface.

Which is more painful root canal or wisdom tooth extraction?

Root canals can be a painful procedure. In fact, many find it to be more painful than an extraction, but the use of local anesthesia can reduce the pain.

Should I brush my teeth after getting a filling?

Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.

As long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep the area clean as usual.

What's better silver or white fillings?

Strength: Silver fillings are generally considered stronger than white fillings, though both are made to withstand biting, chewing and regular wear-and-tear. Placement: White fillings are made to match the color of your teeth, so they're ideal for cavities in visible locations.

Can a dentist mess up a filling?

The failure by a dentist to adequately carry out a filling can lead to ongoing tooth aches and pain. Whilst most people may experience some ache after having a tooth filled, tooth ache which last several weeks may be the sign of a poor dental filling.

Do fillings ever feel normal?

Sensitivity will decrease as the tooth heals, but may last up to one month. You may also notice some sensitivity in the teeth surrounding your filled tooth. This happens when the nerves in your filled tooth send pain signals to your other teeth.

Why does my tooth hurt worse after a filling?

An irritated nerve is not uncommon when a deep filling is placed. Irritated nerves can result in inflammation and can cause pain. Your enamel and cementum usually protect the nerve from exposure, but deep fillings can reach the nerve endings and cause uncomfortable, sharp sensations.

Can a filling get infected?

If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscessed tooth.

Are lower wisdom teeth harder to remove?

Lower wisdom teeth can be more difficult to remove. Removing a wisdom tooth can involve cutting the gum to uncover your tooth, removing bone around your tooth and dividing your tooth with a drill.

Does removing wisdom teeth change face shape?

You will be happy to hear that changes to the shape of your face are very unlikely when wisdom teeth are removed. In fact, the benefits of wisdom teeth extractions far outweigh any chance that your face's shape could change when you have this procedure.