Wisdom teeth don't actually "sink" down, but rather the feeling of them sinking usually indicates they are impacted, meaning they are stuck and unable to fully erupt through the gums.
Here's a breakdown of what's happening:
-
Impaction: The most common reason for the "sinking" sensation is impaction. Wisdom teeth (third molars) often lack sufficient space to erupt properly in the jaw. This can cause them to become trapped in the gums or bone.
-
Partial Eruption and Infection: When a wisdom tooth tries to push through the gums but is blocked, it can partially erupt. This creates a flap of gum tissue where bacteria and food particles can become trapped. This can easily lead to pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue around the partially erupted tooth. The inflammation and discomfort from this infection might feel like the tooth is "sinking" back down.
-
Gum Tissue Changes: The sensation may also be caused by changes in the surrounding gum tissue. Irritation, inflammation, and even minor trauma can all affect the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth, creating the perception that the tooth is moving.
What To Do If You Experience This:
-
See a Dentist: It's crucial to visit your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. They can properly diagnose the cause of the sensation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
-
Treatment Options: Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Antibiotics: If there's an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
- Oral Hygiene: Diligent brushing and flossing around the area, possibly with an antiseptic mouthwash, can help keep the area clean.
- Extraction: In many cases, the best solution is to have the impacted wisdom tooth extracted.
In summary, the feeling of wisdom teeth "sinking" is typically due to impaction, partial eruption, and/or infection. It's important to seek professional dental care for proper diagnosis and treatment.
