The majority of our younger population is accustomed to wisdom tooth extraction. This is because these third molars never stop being the troublemakers. Most of the time they come with an early stage wisdom tooth infection called pericoronitis. Let’s discuss more about it.
What is a Wisdom Tooth Infection?
A wisdom tooth infection happens when the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed. This condition is common in young adults as their wisdom teeth grow in and can cause complications if not treated quickly.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Infection
Wisdom teeth infections occur in different ways, sometimes mildly and other times more seriously or repeatedly. Following are the two main types of wisdom tooth infection you can have:
Minor Wisdom Tooth Infection:
Cavities can cause wisdom tooth infections. Since wisdom teeth are in the back, tightly wedged between other teeth, they are hard to clean. This makes them more likely to get cavities or decay. Infections can also develop after a tooth extraction. The empty socket can easily become infected if it isn’t properly cared for.
Severe or Recurrent Infections:
A wisdom tooth infection can become serious or keep recurring if it spreads to other areas like the mouth, jaw, or upper respiratory tract. Infections can even reach the bloodstream, causing sepsis. To avoid repeat infections, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth as soon as an infection occurs.
Symptoms of an Early Stage Wisdom Tooth Infection
An early-stage wisdom tooth infection may show the following symptoms:
- The area around the wisdom tooth may feel tender and painful, especially when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth.
- The gum around the wisdom tooth might become red and swollen.
- Bacteria and trapped food can cause ongoing bad breath.
- Inflammation may make it hard to fully open your mouth.
- Pus may form, creating a small bump (abscess) near the infected tooth.
- You may notice a bad taste in your mouth due to the infection.
- In more serious cases, you might experience a fever and feel generally unwell.
Treatment Approaches for Pericoronitis
Early-stage tooth infections, which often involve pain, swelling, and discomfort, are treatable using the following methods:
- Oral Hygiene Improvement: Keeping good oral hygiene is your golden ticket to optimal oral health. Dentists may suggest warm saltwater rinses to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria in the affected area.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain due to the infection.
- Antibiotics: If the infection is more severe or spreading, dentists may prescribe antibiotics to control it and aid healing. It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
- Incision and Drainage: If pus has built up, a dentist may need to make a small cut in the gum to drain the infection. This helps relieve pressure and promote healing.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: A dentist can perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. This reduces the risk of further infection and improves oral health.
- Surgical Interventions: If other treatments don’t work, you might need surgery. This could include removing the gum flap (operculectomy) or extracting the affected tooth.
Closing Note
Wisdom teeth infections are a leading cause of why most people go for wisdom teeth extraction. Identifying the signs of early stage wisdom tooth infection prevents further complications from wreaking havoc on your oral health.
Visit Houston’s oral health and wellness specialists at Perio Health Professionals. Our seasoned periodontists have been addressing your oral health issues since 1979 in and around Houston. Call us at (346) 509-9060 for an appointment.
