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Infected Wisdom Tooth Symptoms

Infected Wisdom Tooth Symptoms: What You Need to Know

The third set of molars that appears around early adulthood called the wisdom teeth can create several issues. An example of a typical dental problem is an abscess of the wisdom tooth. It is therefore important to identify early signs of an infected wisdom tooth so as to ensure that it is treated appropriately and before it worsens to some of the effects mentioned above. In today’s blog post, we will explore the features that you must learn about infected wisdom tooth signs and symptoms.
Infected Wisdom Tooth

What is a Wisdom Tooth Infection?

Pericoronitis is a case of an infected wisdom tooth; this is common with a partially erupted or an impacted tooth that has bacteria accumulating under the gum next to the tooth. This can happen especially when taking meals and some of the food particles, bacteria and debris get lodged under the gum flap which covers the tooth. Some of the things which may lead to infection of the wisdom teeth are when the tooth is unable to come out of the gum entirely due to lack of space, and poor brushing habits or if the patient is suffering from a gum disease. These conditions act as the breeding ground for these dangerous bacteria that result in infection.

Common Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth

Pain and Discomfort:

The first and probably the most obvious sign of an infected wisdom tooth is the pain and swelling in that part of the mouth. This pain can be mild to severe and can be localized to the neck or travel as far as the jaw, ear, or throat. Patients also feel the pain when applying pressure in the mouth by biting or chewing food. You may also experience a pulsating pain or you might feel like you are very sensitive to hot and cold conditions.

Swelling and Redness:

As a result of the inflammation of the gum and surrounding tissues, there might be swelling and redness specific to the infected wisdom tooth. This may spread to the cheek, jaw and cause enlargement of the lymph nodes on the neck. At some point, the swelling becomes so intense that you might be unable to open your mouth as wide as you used to. The gums around the affected tooth may swell, become red or bleed while brushing, or feel tender and inflated.

Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste:

Another complication arising from infected wisdom teeth is that it results in halitosis or chronic bad breath and an undesirable taste in the mouth. This results from accumulation of bacteria and pus in the affected parts of the body. Despite the brushing and the use of the mouthwash, such problems as the bad breath and the change in taste may remain until the infection is properly addressed.

Difficulty Opening Mouth and Chewing:

When the infection becomes more severe, you may notice that it becomes painful or even impossible to open your mouth all the way, or chew properly. Inflammation and pain of the affected wisdom tooth may restrict movements in the jaw and functional ability to chew food. You may also feel a burning or else a kind of discomfort when swallowing.

Additional Symptoms to Watch For

Fever and General Malaise:

Sometimes, infected wisdom teeth lead to low grade fever and symptoms of general body weakness. If the infection goes to the other parts in the body, you are likely to experience other flu-like symptoms including high fever, chills, and extreme tiredness. These are signs that suggest that the disease has advanced and seeking professional medical help is necessary.

Swollen Lymph Nodes:

Lymph nodes are round, bean-shaped structures, which are actually small glands within your immune system. If you have an inflamed wisdom tooth, the lymph nodes in the head and neck region especially around the jaw line may become enlarged into soft lumps. Enlarged lymph nodes are indicators that the body is combating the infection, if it is that, when it is not it indicates a standard reaction to an infection.

Pus Discharge:

Complicated infection of wisdom tooth may lead to abscess formation which is a pocket of pus that may envelop the affected tooth. Sometimes, the abscess may burst open and give you a feeling that the mouth is filled with a bad-tasting fluid and this will be accompanied by the pain relieving. This kind of discharge implies that your system is attempting to expel the infection. However, it is advisable to seek dental treatment since the infection may still be present even with drained abscess.

Complications of an Untreated Wisdom Tooth Infection

Failing to address an infected wisdom tooth promptly can lead to various complications:

Spread of Infection: Such an infection can move to surrounding teeth, gums, and the jaw bone, which leads to further complications and as well as more severe discomfort. In more serious cases, the infection may even go into the bloodstream and cause sepsis or the infection might go into the brain to cause meningitis or brain abscess.

Risk of Developing Abscesses: Other symptoms that may be identified with a wisdom tooth infection include development of dental abscesses in case the teeth have not been treated. It is defined as a collection of pus that occurs either at the root of the tooth or beneath the gum line. They can lead to severe pain, huge swelling and extension of the infection if appropriate treatment is not sought.

Potential for Systemic Infection: There are instances that, if a wisdom tooth is not treated immediately, it can spread throughout the body, a condition referred to as sepsis. This is experienced when the disease develops a capacity to spread in the blood circulation system of the body. Sepsis is a severe and critical complication that cannot be treated without professional help.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Dental Examination and Imaging:

If you have suspected that you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you should go to the dentist. They will review your mouth, teeth and gums hence ensuring they provide the best services to their clients. The dentist may recommend dental X-rays or 3D scans to diagnose the extent of damage to the affected tooth and its neighbors. This imaging assists the doctor to establish the severity of the infection and in the decision-making on the best course of action.

Antibiotic Treatment:

Often, the dentists recommend that you take antibiotics to ensure that the infection from bacteria is controlled. Apart from pain relievers, patients with infected wisdom teeth may take antibiotics such as; penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin. As for medications prescribed by your doctor, antibiotics should not be stopped even if the symptoms subside because they should be taken until the bout is complete. If this is not done then the antibiotic may stop working as expected and such conditions may recur frequently.

Dental Procedures:

If you are having a severe infection then you may require some more treatments as prescribed by the dentist. If an abscess has formed, the dentist may have to make a surgical incision to release tension in the infected area. Sometimes, the infected wisdom tooth has to be removed by a dental surgeon. The dentist will anaesthetize the region, then will extract the tooth, and then will wash the socket for overcoming any further infection.

Home Remedies and Pain Relief Tips

While seeking professional dental care is essential for treating an infected wisdom tooth, there are some home remedies and pain relief tips that can help manage symptoms in the meantime:

  •         Rinse with warm saltwater: Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and allow the solution to stay in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting out. It can assist in decreased pain and inflammation.
  •         Apply a cold compress: Place a cold compress or an ice pack on the area of the cheek close to the sore throat for about fifteen- twenty minutes. This can assist in the process of acquainting the feeling of pain with numbness and less swelling.
  •         Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen also help reduce pain and inflammation. People are advised to avoid taking more than the package indicates because it may have severe consequences.
  •         Maintain good oral hygiene: Clean your teeth by brushing them softly and floss with an aim of washing away the food particles and bacteria. One should be very cautious and avoid touching the affected area again in order to prevent more inflammation.

Prevention Tips for Wisdom Tooth Infections

Preventing wisdom tooth infections involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups:

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene: Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use mouthwash or floss at least once in the morning and once before going to bed. Especially when it comes to the brushing and flossing of your mouth, do it especially around the area of your wisdom teeth since they may be a bit tough to reach. You may wish to use an antiseptic mouthwash for reducing the general bacteria levels in the oral cavity.

 

Regular Dental Check-ups: Make annual dental appointments for checkups and cleaning with your dentist. These visits enable your dentist to check your wisdom teeth and fix any problem that may arise in their early stages. They can also offer health advice concerning the proper way of taking care of the wisdom teeth and how to avoid mouth infections.

Early Intervention and Monitoring: When your dentist examines you, and they conclude that your wisdom teeth are likely to cause issues or are impacted, they will advise you to have them surgically removed. Proper care of the teeth and especially the wisdom teeth reduce the likelihood of infections or other issues related to problematic wisdom teeth.

When to See a Dentist

While some home remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s essential to schedule a dental appointment if you experience:

  •         Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
  •         Inflammation that affects other areas of your face or neck
  •         Problems in having the mouth opened or in swallowing.
  •         Having fever or chills along with other symptoms
  •         Pus discharge or a foul taste in your mouth

That is why it is essential to visit the dentist as soon as possible to treat it before it gets worse and affects other parts of your body. When an individual visits the dentist, the specialist is likely to determine the level of infection and suggest the right course of action.

FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Infections

How can I tell if my wisdom tooth is infected?

Some of the symptoms that may be associated with an infected wisdom tooth include, pain, swelling, redness, difficulty in opening the mouth and a bad taste and or odor in the mouth. If you notice any of these signs, please visit your dentist and inform him or her.

What should I do if I suspect a wisdom tooth infection?

If you have symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth, do not hesitate to consult your dentist and make an appointment. Meanwhile, warm water saline solution rinse, cold application, and taking of non-prescriptive pain alleviating drugs for pain and inflammation.

Can a wisdom tooth infection go away on its own?

Some of the mild infections may worsen or heal on their own, therefore, it is always advisable to consult a dentist. Non-treated wisdom tooth decay may result in severe consequences such as infections spreading to other parts of the body. Your dentist shall advise you on the necessary action to take depending on the severity of the infection you are suffering from.

Why Choose Clove Dental for Your Wisdom Tooth Care?

Being one of the leading dental care providers in the country, Clove Dental is a team of competent dental care professionals. All our dentists are professionals who understand how to deal with an infected wisdom tooth and the general health of the patient.

Everyone’s comfort is paramount and this is accompanied by the use of sophisticated hi-tech equipment in diagnosis and treatment. The utilization of digital X-ray systems including 3D imaging systems modern technologies are useful to ensure the provision of accurate and effective treatment.

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our satisfied patients have to say:

 

Contact Us for a Consultation

If you think you have a complication with your infected wisdom tooth or have some issues about your wisdom tooth, feel free to call Clove Dental. Our inviting and personable staff is here to assist you in maintaining proper health and dental pain-free living.

So why wait, get your appointment fixed today either by personally contacting our office or using the online options. We wish you a pleasant experience with our team as we give you the dental service you need.

 

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