Wisdom tooth infections - What is a wisdom tooth infection?
A wisdom tooth usually causes pain and becomes infected if it is impacted. There are numerous types of wisdom tooth impaction.
The wisdom tooth can be nearly fully erupted with a small amount of gum covering over the functioning portion.
The wisdom tooth may be partially erupted or just the very tip may be visible. It is usually the flap of gum that becomes swollen and caused the infection.
How can this happen?
If food becomes trapped in the area, leading to inflammation, this alone could cause pain or a mild ache in the area. The upper wisdom tooth may then traumatise this flap of gum causing it to become a progressively bigger swelling causing a lot of pain.
If you grind your teeth at night or during the day this can also cause trauma to the flap of gum.
When does this happen?
Our dentists mostly find patients complaining of this when you are very busy at work or studying for exams. In general, it can happen at anytime though.
What are the signs and symptoms of wisdom tooth infection?
Pain – ranging from a discomfort to a mild ache to severe pain
Swollen gum around the wisdom tooth
Bad taste
Swelling of lymph nodes
Problems with swallowing
You may not be able to function on that side
Limited mouth opening
Pain may radiate to head
Treatment of a wisdom tooth infection
Visit our dentist
Rinse with a chorohexidine mouthwash for 40 seconds daily
Clean around the tooth as best as possible
The infection may require an antibiotics from you dentist
If the infection is recurrent then your dentist will recommend treatment of either removing the flap of gum around the wisdom tooth or extraction of the wisdom tooth.
Comments