Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Wisdom Tooth Pain
Hello,
I have a problem with my upper left wisdom tooth that's been painfully growing for the past few years. I haven't thought of taking a look at it before, since it's not really visually accessible, but when I did, I noticed that it's looking very odd.
First, on one side it has a rather purple line on it. Second, it's like its top is broken in a way that makes it detached from the gum. So yeah, there's a gap between it and the gum, but the gap isn't exactly empty since there's a brown-ish substance that neither looks like tooth nor gum.
Here're pictures taken with my phone (sorry if it's not clear, it's hard to take any picture of it)
+ http://s16.postimg.org/dkwohrjet/IMG_0837.jpg
+ http://s16.postimg.org/tx6q7hxqd/IMG_0838.jpg
It's really really painful, especially when I smile for example (I can imagine the inner skin of my mouth getting in that gap, and that hurts me a lot. )
What is it? Is it an infection? Is that a nerve uncovered?
I got an appointment with an orthodontist but it's in May, can my tooth wait? Or is it urgent and I should just directly go see the emergency doctor?
Otherwise who should I see? A dentist? An orthodontist ?
Thank you very much for your help!
I have a problem with my upper left wisdom tooth that's been painfully growing for the past few years. I haven't thought of taking a look at it before, since it's not really visually accessible, but when I did, I noticed that it's looking very odd.
First, on one side it has a rather purple line on it. Second, it's like its top is broken in a way that makes it detached from the gum. So yeah, there's a gap between it and the gum, but the gap isn't exactly empty since there's a brown-ish substance that neither looks like tooth nor gum.
Here're pictures taken with my phone (sorry if it's not clear, it's hard to take any picture of it)
+ http://s16.postimg.org/dkwohrjet/IMG_0837.jpg
+ http://s16.postimg.org/tx6q7hxqd/IMG_0838.jpg
It's really really painful, especially when I smile for example (I can imagine the inner skin of my mouth getting in that gap, and that hurts me a lot. )
What is it? Is it an infection? Is that a nerve uncovered?
I got an appointment with an orthodontist but it's in May, can my tooth wait? Or is it urgent and I should just directly go see the emergency doctor?
Otherwise who should I see? A dentist? An orthodontist ?
Thank you very much for your help!
Tue, 14 Apr 2015
Hi Dear,
Understanding your concern.
Yours left upper wisdom tooth about which you are talking about if its accompanied by symptoms such as intense pain, swelling over that area, fever, problem in breathing and headache then it needs immediate attention.
Otherwise warm saline rinses, antibacterial mouthwash, OTC pain killers will provide relief.
Ice chips around that area can be applied to relieve pain as that causes nerve numbness.
Gap you are talking about between tooth and gum is filled with brownish substance which is called calculus which is a hard substance. Pain could be because of this as it builds pressure in that area. In that case subgingival cleaning/ scaling or curettage is treatment option.
Wisdom tooth extraction is not an option for some people because of potential risk of complications so pain management is recommended in that case.
Well its not an emergent situation. Your tooth can wait. You should go to dentist. Till then take all the preventive measures like saline rinses.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
Understanding your concern.
Yours left upper wisdom tooth about which you are talking about if its accompanied by symptoms such as intense pain, swelling over that area, fever, problem in breathing and headache then it needs immediate attention.
Otherwise warm saline rinses, antibacterial mouthwash, OTC pain killers will provide relief.
Ice chips around that area can be applied to relieve pain as that causes nerve numbness.
Gap you are talking about between tooth and gum is filled with brownish substance which is called calculus which is a hard substance. Pain could be because of this as it builds pressure in that area. In that case subgingival cleaning/ scaling or curettage is treatment option.
Wisdom tooth extraction is not an option for some people because of potential risk of complications so pain management is recommended in that case.
Well its not an emergent situation. Your tooth can wait. You should go to dentist. Till then take all the preventive measures like saline rinses.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....