Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that develop late in the teen years or young adults in their 20s. For some people, wisdom teeth are not an issue, but they are problematic and cause infections for others. Because the wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be challenging to clean. Most people do not have room for the wisdom teeth to erupt and align themselves properly with the other teeth. They may come in at an angle, push on other teeth, or come in only partially above the gumline.
Wisdom teeth that are impacted or partially erupted are particularly prone to problems. If food and bacteria get stuck between a wisdom tooth and an adjacent tooth, plaque build-up can result, leading to infection or pericoronitis.
How Do I Know if I Have a Wisdom Tooth Infection?
If you have a wisdom tooth infection you will likely experience pain and sensitivity in the area surrounding the wisdom tooth. Your lymph nodes located in the neck underneath the jaw may be swollen and sore. Other symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection include:
- Bad breath
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Limited range of jaw motion and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
- Red or swollen gum near the wisdom tooth
- Pus oozing from the gum
You should see your oral surgeon immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
How Are Wisdom Tooth Infections Treated?
Once your doctor has diagnosed a wisdom tooth infection, they will clean the area and may prescribe antibiotics depending on how advanced the infection is. You will be given instructions on how to keep the area clean, including using an antiseptic mouthwash. Wisdom teeth that are chronically infected may have to be removed. Oral health is linked to other health problems, especially in people with low immunity so preventing chronic tooth infection is essential for maintaining overall good health.
What Are Some Other Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth?
In addition to causing infections, wisdom teeth can cause other problems that jeopardize your overall health including:
- Alignment: Overcrowding may cause your teeth to shift and affect your bite. This can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, sleep apnea, and other problems.
- Cavities: Wisdom teeth are hard to clean and can start to decay like the neighboring teeth.
- Gum Disease: If the tissue around the wisdom teeth is not kept clean, plaque buildup may lead to inflammation and gum disease.
- Damage to Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth and damage them over time.
- Jaw Damage: As the wisdom teeth develop, cysts can form. Left untreated, these cysts start to hollow out the jaw and damage the nerves there.
- Sinus Problems: wisdom teeth problems can cause pain in the sinus area as well as pressure and congestion.
Many of these medical issues can be avoided by removing the wisdom teeth before they can cause major problems. Your doctor can use dental X-rays to see where the wisdom teeth are positioned and how they affect your other teeth. Even if there are no immediate problems, the longer you wait to remove wisdom teeth, the more difficult it will be as the bones in your mouth get harder with age. Consult with your doctor to determine what is best for your oral health.
The South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Diagnose and Treat Wisdom Tooth Infections
Wisdom tooth infections can affect overall health besides being painful. The South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have decades of experience helping patients maintain good oral health. Call 856-582-4222 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation. With locations in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we treat patients throughout South Jersey.