Wisdom Tooth Infection
Jim Tehrani, DDS
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If a wisdom tooth grows incorrectly, it may deviate from its normal path and become impacted within the gum or jawbone.
Today, young people are especially concerned about wisdom tooth infection symptoms and the impact of third molar infection.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in the mouth, and if they grow improperly or do not grow at all, they can cause various problems and infections.
Table of Contents
What are the Signs of Wisdom Teeth Infection?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that does not fully emerge from the gum and remains inside the jawbone. This condition can cause problems, including infection.
tooth infection symptoms
Symptoms of an infected impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant pain and discomfort. The symptoms of this infection may worsen over time and lead to more severe problems if left untreated. Below are some of the most common symptoms of wisdom tooth infection:
- Severe Pain
One of the most apparent symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection is severe pain in the tooth and jaw area. This pain may radiate to the ear, head, or neck, indicating the spread of infection or inflammation.
The severity of impaction often depends on how far the wisdom tooth deviates from its natural growth path. - Swelling of the Gums and Cheeks
The infection causes inflammation and swelling around the wisdom teeth, possibly accompanied by redness and sensitivity. - Purulent Secretions
Pus discharge from the gums may indicate an abscess caused by infection. - Bad Breath
Sometimes, a metallic and unpleasant taste in the mouth can indicate an infection. This taste is felt due to the presence of blood and pus at the site of infection. In addition, this problem can be one of the causes of bad breath. - Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing
Swelling and pain caused by infection make it difficult to chew and swallow food. - Fever and Chills
In severe infections, fever and chills may also be observed. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C). In severe cases, the person may feel fatigued or generally unwell. - Pain When Opening the Mouth
Infection can cause limited jaw movement and discomfort when opening the mouth. - Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes
A wisdom tooth infection may cause swelling of the neck lymph nodes. - Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Root Infection
In cases where the infection has spread to the root of the wisdom tooth, the pain may be more severe, and the tooth may be more sensitive to impact. Also, dark spots may develop on the teeth.
Important Causes of Wisdom Tooth Infection
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incomplete wisdom tooth eruption | When a wisdom tooth does not fully erupt from the gums or grows at an improper angle, it creates a space for bacteria to accumulate, leading to infection. |
| Tooth decay | If the wisdom tooth decays, bacteria can enter the dental pulp through the created cavities and cause infection. |
| Remaining food particles | If food particles get stuck around the wisdom teeth, a suitable environment is provided for the growth of bacteria and the risk of infection increases. |
| Impact on the wisdom tooth | An impact on the wisdom tooth can cause the tooth enamel to break and create cracks that facilitate the entry of bacteria into the tooth. |
| Gum diseases | Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can cause inflammation and infection of the gums around wisdom teeth. |
| Weak immune system | People with a weak immune system are more susceptible to infections, including wisdom tooth-related infections. |
Complications of Not Treating Wisdom Tooth Infection
According to Medical News Today, neglecting a wisdom tooth infection can lead to:
- Spread of Infection: The bacteria causing the infection can spread to the jaw, throat, or even enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.
- Cyst Formation: Untreated infections may result in fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that can damage the jawbone and surrounding nerves.
- Damage to Nearby Teeth: The infection or pressure from the impacted wisdom tooth can harm adjacent teeth, leading to decay or gum disease.
- Systemic Health Issues: In severe cases, infections can lead to complications like Ludwig’s angina, an infection that can block the airway and become life-threatening.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Wisdom Tooth Infection?
The recovery period varies based on the treatment method:
- Antibiotic Treatment: Typically resolves the infection within 7 to 10 days.
- Antiseptic Mouthwash (e.g., Chlorhexidine): Reduces symptoms in 4 to 7 days.
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Surgical Removal): Full healing takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
Choosing the right treatment depends on the severity of the infection and whether the tooth needs removal.
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our talented and experienced dental professionals work together to provide top-quality care for our patients.
Jim Tehrani, DDS
– USC graduate (1997)
– Invisalign I/II certified
– Laser dentistry certified
– Member of ADA, CDA, Western Dental Society
Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Infection
By observing the following points, you can prevent the wisdom tooth symptoms:
- Oral and dental hygiene:
Regular and careful brushing, floss, and antibacterial mouthwash help reduce bacteria accumulation around wisdom teeth. - Regular visits to the dentist:
By visiting the dentist regularly, any problems with your teeth, especially wisdom teeth, will be diagnosed and treated on time. - Pay attention to the symptoms of partially impacted third molar infection:
If you see any signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, redness, and purulent secretions around the wisdom tooth, go to the dentist immediately. - Wisdom tooth extraction if necessary:
If the wisdom tooth grows incompletely or causes problems such as pain, infection, or damage to the adjacent teeth, the dentist may recommend its extraction. - Proper nutrition:
Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals helps to strengthen the body’s immune system and reduce the risk of infection. - Avoiding harmful habits:
Harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
By following these tips, you can prevent oral infection caused by wisdom teeth and its complications and maintain the health of your mouth and teeth.
Conclusion
Infected wisdom teeth can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, including severe pain, swelling, and potential spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
Delayed treatment can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis. It’s crucial to visit a dentist immediately if you experience symptoms, and regular check-ups every six months are recommended to maintain oral health and address issues early.
Contact our experienced team at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Not necessarily. In some cases, the dentist may treat the infection with antibiotics. However, if the disease is severe or the wisdom tooth is incompletely erupted, it is necessary to extract it.
Infected wisdom tooth symptoms include severe pain, swelling of gums and cheeks, purulent secretions, bad breath, fever and chills, and difficulty chewing and swallowing.
If not treated, infection can spread to other areas of the body and cause complications such as abscesses, blood infections, and even more severe problems.
To prevent infected wisdom teeth, it is recommended to observe oral and dental hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, extract wisdom teeth if necessary, and eat correctly
