Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Although many have four wisdom teeth, some may only have one or two. Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing problems, and one of the most common issues is wisdom tooth infection. This blog post will shed light on the symptoms and causes of wisdom tooth infection and treatment options.
For certain people, wisdom teeth come in without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth can cause pain and crowd the mouth.
If your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow (impacted wisdom teeth), they may become trapped in your jawbone or gums. It can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Not every individual requires the removal of their wisdom teeth. But if you’re experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removing them.
What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection?
The most common symptom of wisdom tooth infection is pain. You may also experience:
- Swelling around your jaw
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
What causes wisdom tooth infection?
Wisdom tooth infection is usually caused by bacteria that enter the gum tissue around the impacted tooth. It can happen if the gum tissue is damaged or if there is a build-up of plaque around the tooth. A wisdom tooth infection can also occur if you have a cavity in your wisdom teeth.
How is wisdom tooth infection treated?
Treatment for wisdom tooth infection depends on the severity of the infection. Sometimes, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. If the infection is more severe, you may need to have your wisdom tooth removed.
Wisdom tooth removal is a standard and safe procedure that can help relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications.
What are the complications of a wisdom tooth infection?
If a wisdom tooth infection is not treated, it can lead to severe complications, including:
- Abscesses: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the site of an infection. If an abscess ruptures, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. It can be life-threatening.
- Bone loss: Wisdom tooth infection can cause bone loss around the impacted tooth. It can weaken the structure of your jaw and make it more difficult to chew and speak.
- Cysts: A cyst is a fluid sac that forms around an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts can damage nearby teeth and bones.
Risks associated with wisdom tooth removal.
- Wisdom tooth removal is a standard and safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. These include:
- Bleeding: You may experience some bleeding after your wisdom teeth are removed. It is normal and should stop within a few days.
- Infection: There is a slight risk of infection after wisdom tooth removal. It can usually be treated with antibiotics.
- Dry socket: Dry socket can occur when the blood clot forms in the socket after surgery is dislodged. A dry socket can cause pain and irritation. It usually goes away independently, but it may require treatment from your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, wisdom tooth removal can damage the nerves in your jaw. It can cause numbness or tingle in your lips, tongue, or chin. The risk of nerve damage is higher if you have impacted wisdom teeth close to your jaw’s nerves.
Wisdom Tooth Infection Treatment in Sunbury VIC
If you are experiencing any deleterious symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced dentists in Sunbury for an evaluation. A dental professional can guide you to determine whether or not you have an infection and, if so, provide treatment. Thanks for reading!
