One of the main reasons for wisdom teeth removal is their location in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come through and often there is insufficient room to accommodate them. As a result, wisdom teeth can erupt through the gums at odd angles or become impacted.
These latter teeth are particularly vulnerable to infection because bacteria can get trapped in the flap of the gum tissue surrounding the part of the tooth that has broken through.
If you think you have signs of wisdom teeth infection, then it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Here are some common wisdom tooth infection symptoms to look out for:
- Painful gums – Persistent redness of the gums, swelling, or even some bleeding.
- Swelling – Starting in the gum tissue that surrounds the wisdom tooth swelling can spread into the face and lymph nodes too.
- Jaw pain – Wisdom teeth infection, can cause jaw pain, intense throbbing, and muscle spasms.
- Bad taste in the mouth – Leaking pus from infected gum tissue can cause bad breath and nasty taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty eating – It may be difficult to bite and chew food and the bad taste in your mouth might make food unappetizing.
- Fever – As with an infection in any part of the body, you may feel cold and shivery.
Treating Wisdom Teeth Infection
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms it’s highly likely that your wisdom teeth are infected. It’s critical to get treatment from a dentist right away. Wisdom teeth infections can spread to other parts of the body and could lead to hospitalization.
Treatment normally involves cleaning the area to remove food debris and bacteria and you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. Once the infection has cleared up, wisdom teeth removal surgery is likely to be recommended.
Make An Appointment
Wisdom teeth infection isn’t a matter to be taken lightly. If you are suffering discomfort from wisdom teeth then why not book a wisdom tooth assessment with Dental 266. Give us a call now 02 9051 0600.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.