Your wisdom teeth are molars. They’re the large teeth at the back of your mouth, sometimes called the third molars. They’re the last teeth to grow in. Most people get wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. Show Like other teeth, a wisdom tooth can:
If you have a wisdom tooth infection, you’ll need treatment from a dentist. But not all pain is the result of a tooth infection. Below we discuss treatments for wisdom teeth infection and pain. Wisdom teeth may get infected because they’re harder to clean. Food and bacteria can get trapped between the tooth and the gums. The space between your wisdom teeth and the back of your mouth can be easy to miss when you’re brushing and flossing. An impacted wisdom tooth may not grow through your gums correctly. It may partially emerge, grow in at an angle, or develop completely sideways. A partially impacted wisdom tooth has a higher risk of infection. This is because its shape and angle make decay more likely to happen. A tooth infection or cavity happens when an overgrowth of bacteria makes holes in the outer, hard enamel layer. Several kinds of bacteria can cause an infection in and around a wisdom tooth. In rare cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and head. Types of bacteria that can lead to a tooth infection include:
Treatment for a wisdom tooth infection may involve:
Your dentist will examine your teeth and take an X-ray of the area. This will help determine what kind of treatment is best for your tooth. MedicationsYou’ll need to take antibiotics to clear up an infection in a wisdom tooth. You may need to take this at least a week before having the affected tooth repaired or removed. Antibiotics help to heal an infected tooth and prevent bacteria from spreading. Your dentist or doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as:
Your dentist may also recommend pain medication before and after wisdom tooth infection, including:
RepairOnce the infection is cleared up, you’ll need to see your dentist again to repair or remove the tooth. Fixing a cavity in a wisdom tooth is similar to patching up other teeth. You may need a filling or crown. Your dentist may also file down the top or sides of the tooth. This removes rough or bumpy edges that can trap food and bacteria. It also helps to make the tooth slightly smaller if there’s crowding. RemovalIf your wisdom tooth is damaged, your dentist may completely or partly remove it. You may need dental surgery for an impacted wisdom tooth infection. Other impacted wisdom teeth may also be removed. This helps to prevent future infections. Your dentist may remove gum tissue from the top of an impacted wisdom tooth to help it grow through. Another dental procedure removes only the top part of a wisdom tooth. This is called a coronectomy. This helps to protect the tooth roots, nerves, and the jawbone around the tooth. Surgery factsPulling a wisdom tooth can be complicated. You’ll need local anesthesia by an injection in the area, or general anesthesia. The procedure may take 20 minutes or longer. Your dentist may need to section the tooth and remove it in pieces. This helps to avoid injury to the nerves and jawbone. Possible side effects and risks after wisdom tooth removal surgery include:
An infection in the mouth can happen two weeks or even up to two months after getting a wisdom tooth removed. Let your dentist know about any symptoms. You may need another dose of antibiotics to treat it. Home remedies can’t treat a wisdom tooth infection. However, some simple treatments may give you temporary relief from the pain and discomfort. Try these remedies if you have to wait to see your dentist.
Your wisdom teeth can cause pain even if they’re not infected. You may also have pain after your wisdom tooth is removed. Other causes of a toothache are:
Call your dentist and make an appointment if you have any pain or discomfort in or around a wisdom tooth. This area can be difficult to see. You’ll likely need a dental exam and an X-ray scan to find out what’s causing the pain. Don’t ignore any teeth, gum, or jaw symptoms such as:
You may also have a fever, chills, nausea, or headache pain because of a wisdom tooth infection. You can’t prevent an impacted wisdom tooth. See your dentist for regular checkups to help prevent wisdom tooth complications. Good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing several times a day, can help keep your wisdom teeth from getting infected. What does wisdom tooth infection look like?An infected gum will likely be swollen, red, and very painful if you press on it or touch it with your finger or a toothbrush. ¹⁰ It may also be swollen because there is an abscess filled with pus but that is for a dentist to determine.
How do I know if my extraction site is infected?Signs of infection after extraction
Instead of the pain getting better from the extraction, it gets worse. The bleeding continues for more than 24 hours. Experiencing an unpleasant or foul smell coming from the mouth. Seeing discharge in or around the area.
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