Wisdom teeth infections are part of keeping your mouth healthy. If a wisdom tooth is in pain, you probably hope the pain will go away undisturbed until the next dentist appointment. The truth, however, is that infections usually never resolve themselves. You need to do it early and seek proper treatment.
In the initial phase, Wisdom Teeth Infection Treatment can avoid severe issues. Most individuals believe it is merely normal pain due to a new tooth erupting. But that pain may be due to infection, not tooth development. You must see the warning signs and act before the infection worsens.
What triggers infections of wisdom teeth?
In this case, treatment will involve cleaning up these teeth similarly, sanitizing the bacteria, which have become stuck in places that are rather difficult to clean. These teeth are at the back of the mouth and just about impossible to reach with a toothbrush and floss. With time, food and bacteria can get jammed between the gum and the tooth.
Occasionally, the tooth does not erupt straight. It can become trapped under the gum. That is called impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth is difficult to keep clean. This makes it more prone to decay and infection.
The bacteria involved in a wisdom tooth infection
These are:
- Streptococcus
- Peptostreptococcus
- Actinomyces
- Prevotella
- Fusobacterium
- Aggregatibacter
- Eikenella corrodens
These bacteria infect the enamel and cause swelling, pain, and even pus around the tooth.
Common Wisdom Teeth Infection Treatments
There are several ways dentists treat Wisdom Teeth Infections. You might be prescribed:
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers
- Repairing the tooth
- Pulling out the tooth
The dentist will see your mouth and take an X-ray. This aids in choosing the appropriate treatment.
Infection and Pain Medicines
You might be prescribed antibiotics prior to repairing or taking out the tooth. These combat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
The most common antibiotics are:
- Penicillin
- Amoxicillin
- Metronidazole
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- For the pain, you might receive:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Lornoxicam
- Aspirin (only if your dentist recommends it)
Fixing an Infected Tooth
If the infection is small, the dentist might attempt to repair the tooth. You might need a filling or a crown. Dentists sometimes shave off rough edges to prevent food accumulation. This also relieves pressure in crowded areas.
When You Need Wisdom Teeth Infection Removal
Sometimes the damage becomes too extensive. In such cases, Wisdom Teeth Infection Removal is the alternative. The tooth may be extracted partially or wholly by the dentist. You would also require surgery if the impacted tooth is extremely deep.
Others are:
- Tooth removal by gum removal from above the tooth
- Partial extraction of the tooth (coronectomy)
- It prevents nerve and jaw damage.
Surgery Details and Recovery
Tooth extraction may last 20 minutes or longer. You will receive local or general anesthesia. The dentist can cut the tooth into sections for easy extraction.
You might feel after surgery:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Numbness of tongue, chin, or lips
- Jawbone weakness
Infections can still occur after surgery. It can take weeks or months. You might need another course of antibiotics.
Home Remedies for Temporary Relief
Home treatment will not eliminate the infection but can relieve pain:
- Salt water gargle
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide
- Cold compress to the cheek
- Clove oil on the tooth
- Over-the-counter pain gel or tablet
Other Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Pain
Pain does not necessarily mean infection. Other reasons are:
- Gum infection (pericoronitis)
- New tooth eruption
- Tooth crowding
- Cysts
- Dry socket
- Socket infection
- Poor healing with smoking or inadequate nutrition
When to See a Dentist
Call your dentist if you experience:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Pus near your tooth
- Bad taste or breath
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- Fever, chills, or nausea
Don’t neglect symptoms. Only a dentist can treat Wisdom Teeth Infection Treatment safely. If necessary, they will recommend Wisdom Teeth Infection Removal to prevent future issues.
Author Bio:
For professional care and guidance on wisdom tooth treatment, consult Holistic Dental Wisdom Tooth Dentistry.