If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably had a cavity or two in your lifetime. Among adults between the ages of 20 and 44, 31.6% had untreated cavities between 2013 and 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though they are preventable, cavities are still very common.
You can get cavities on any part of your tooth and on any one of your teeth — even your wisdom teeth (if you have them). Here’s what you need to know about a wisdom tooth cavity.
Wait — You Can Get Cavities in Your Wisdom Teeth?
Many people don’t think about their wisdom teeth, aka the third molars. That might be because a lot of people don’t have their wisdom teeth. A study in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics revealed that dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction for about 59% of patients. Extraction of the third molars is one of the most frequently performed oral surgeries in the U.S.
One of the main reasons dentists recommend taking out wisdom teeth is because they often cause trouble. The third molars are the last teeth to arrive on the scene. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 — but the trouble is, people typically already have 28 other teeth in their mouth by that age. In many cases, there’s no room for the wisdom teeth, so they get stuck in the gum tissue or bone and become impacted.
An impacted wisdom tooth can be more likely to get a cavity. When a tooth is stuck in the gums, it’s possible for food to get stuck near it. This trapped food near the tooth then creates an ideal environment for decay-causing bacteria.
Another reason why wisdom teeth might develop cavities is that it can be more difficult to clean them. It can be tricky to reach all the way to the back of the mouth with a toothbrush or piece of floss.
What to Do If You Have a Wisdom Tooth Cavity
If you get a cavity on any other tooth, your dentist will most likely recommend filling the cavity to restore the tooth. Depending on the extent of the decay, you might even need a root canal to restore the tooth.
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. If it isn’t, they may still recommend extraction, depending on the condition and placement of the tooth.
If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted in your mouth and aren’t stuck in the gums, it’s possible that your dentist may be able to fill and restore the tooth just like any other. That’s why it’s important to see them for regular checkups, so they can assess the health of all your teeth and detect any cavities.
If you are experiencing tooth pain of any sort or if you are simply looking for a Paducah, KY area dentist, we hope that you will contact us at Johnson Family Dental. We are conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY. You can reach us by phone at (270) 554-2432 or CLICK HERE to contact us.