Are You Suffering from an Infected Wisdom Tooth?

Are You Suffering from an Infected Wisdom Tooth?

Are you in your teenage years? If so, you can expect your wisdom teeth to emerge soon if they haven’t already. Wisdom teeth typically erupt around age 17 and older, and they are one of the most common dental issues people experience. In some cases, wisdom teeth erupt normally and cause no problems, but in most cases, impacted wisdom teeth require removal.

However, impaction isn’t the only reason for extraction. An infected wisdom tooth can also lead to complications that may require oral surgery.

Pericoronitis

Wisdom teeth are the four permanent molars located at the back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. They are the last set of teeth to emerge. If there isn’t enough space in your mouth, the tooth may partially erupt, creating a flap of gum tissue that can trap food particles. These particles can form plaque, which hardens into tartar and eventually leads to an infection in the gum surrounding the wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis. This condition often requires wisdom tooth extraction. Symptoms of pericoronitis include:

• A foul smell or taste in your mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen and painful gums around the wisdom tooth
• Jaw muscle spasms

Treatment

There are ways to prevent pericoronitis from advancing. One option is to clean the gums and surrounding teeth with water to remove food particles and pus, allowing the infection to subside. However, if the infection persists, it may be necessary to remove the portion of the gum that obstructs the wisdom tooth’s eruption. The other option is wisdom tooth extraction. In either case, it is recommended to see a dentist for treatment.

It’s always a good practice to brush and floss your teeth regularly and with care to prevent early dental problems. To learn more about wisdom teeth and treatment options, call or visit our office to get an expert opinion.