When Back Tooth Pain Becomes Difficult to Ignore
A patient visited Summirow Dental Clinic with the complaint of pain in the upper and lower left back tooth region. Pain in the last teeth of the mouth can make chewing uncomfortable and may gradually worsen if the underlying cause is not treated.
During the consultation, the patient explained that the pain was especially noticeable while eating and occasionally when food got stuck in the back teeth area.
To understand the exact reason for the discomfort, a clinical examination was performed followed by an OPG (Orthopantomogram). An OPG provides a complete panoramic view of the teeth, helping in accurate diagnosis of problems in the back teeth, especially wisdom teeth.
Diagnosis - What Did the OPG Reveal?
The OPG showed dental caries in tooth number 28 and 38.
- Tooth 28 - Upper left wisdom tooth
- Tooth 38 - Lower left wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. Because of their position, they are often difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush. Over time, this can lead to:
- Food lodgement
- Bacterial growth
- Tooth decay (caries)
- Pain and infection
In this case, both wisdom teeth had significant decay, which was the cause of the patient's pain.
Treatment Plan - Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After explaining the diagnosis to the patient, the best treatment option recommended was extraction of both decayed wisdom teeth (28 and 38).
Since wisdom teeth often have limited function and are difficult to restore when severely decayed, removal helps prevent further infection and pain.
Procedure Performed
The treatment was carried out carefully and comfortably.
Steps of the Procedure
- Local anesthesia was administered to numb the area
- The upper left wisdom tooth (28) was gently loosened and extracted
- The lower left wisdom tooth (38) was then carefully removed
- The extraction sites were cleaned properly
- Post-operative instructions were given to the patient
The procedure was smooth and completed without complications.
Patient Outcome
After the extractions, the patient experienced significant relief from the pain that had been bothering them in the left back tooth region.
The patient was very happy and satisfied with the treatment and care provided at Summirow Dental Clinic.
Why Wisdom Tooth Problems Should Not Be Ignored
Wisdom teeth can cause dental issues because their position makes them difficult to clean properly. When these problems are left untreated, cavities may progress deeper into the tooth, and gum infections can cause swelling and pain. Food may also get trapped repeatedly around the tooth, while infection can affect nearby teeth and gums. Early diagnosis through dental examination and X-rays helps identify these issues so timely treatment can reduce the risk of further complications.
Common Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems
You should visit a dentist if you experience:
- Pain in the back teeth
- Food frequently getting stuck between teeth
- Swelling or discomfort in the wisdom tooth area
- Difficulty chewing on one side
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Prompt treatment can prevent further dental problems.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can often become problematic due to their location and difficulty in cleaning them properly. In this case, the patient had decayed upper and lower left wisdom teeth (28 and 38), which were causing significant discomfort.
With proper diagnosis using an OPG X-ray and timely extraction, the problem was resolved effectively.
The patient left the clinic pain-free, relieved, and satisfied with the treatment outcome.