What To Do With Wisdom Tooth Infection – Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are known as third molars and they usually come up last. They are usually manifested in late teens and early twenties. Just like your other teeth, they can are prone to decay, cavity and be impacted. Wisdom tooth infection can cause pain and you need to know how to handle them (wisdom teeth removal).

 How Infection Occurs

Wisdom teeth may become infected because it is very difficult to clean them. Food debris as well as bacteria will find it easier to get trapped in the spaces between the gums and tooth. When you are brushing or flossing, it is very easy for you to miss the area bounded by your wisdom teeth and the end part of your mouth. They may not grow properly and this can make them to be impacted.

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are more exposed to infection. This is due to the fact that their angle and shape will encourage decay. Infection or cavity occurs when infested bacteria create holes in your tooth’s hard enamel. Some bacteria responsible for wisdom tooth infection include streptococcus, peptostreptococcus, actinomyces, prevotella, aggregatibacter, fusobacterium, among others.

Wisdom tooth infection Treatments

Wisdom tooth infection can be treated through medication, dental work for its repair and wisdom teeth removal through surgery. Your teeth will be properly examined while the X-ray of the area will be taken. This will go a long way in helping your dentist to decide on the treatment approach for you.

Wisdom Tooth infection Medications

Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics for you in order to combat the wisdom tooth infection. There may be a need to take the antibiotics for a week before other treatment options may be considered. Antibiotics will help in healing the infected tooth and prevent further spread of the bacteria. Some antibiotics that may be prescribed by your dentist include penicillin, clindamycin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, metronidazole, just to mention a few. In order to manage pain associated with the infection, you may be given pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, lornoxicam and so on.

Wisdom Tooth Repair

A repair may be needed after clearing up the infection. A filling or crown may be needed and the top or edges of the tooth may require filing. Filing ensures that bumpy or rough edges which can suck in bacteria and food debris are eliminated. It is also helpful in reducing the size of the tooth when there is crowding.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

In a situation whereby there is a wisdom tooth damage, wisdom teeth removal may be the option. Removal can be partly or complete. And your dentist will decide based on many factors. The removal is effected through dental surgery. Especially for impacted teeth. If removal is the option, it is usually carried to prevent the spread of the infection to other teeth.

In some cases, the gum tissue above your  impacted wisdom tooth may be removed so that it can be helped to grow properly. Also, your dentist may recommend coronectomy which is a dental procedure for removing the upper part of your wisdom tooth. This will go a long way in helping in the protection of the jawbone, nerves and roots of your tooth.

Surgery Facts

Wisdom teeth removal can be a complex procedure. A local or general anesthetic will be used. And the process may last for up to 20 minutes or more, depending on the number of teeth to be extracted. Tooth sectioning may be carried out. So that it will be easier to eliminate it in pieces. Sectioning will help in preventing injury to the jawbone and nerves.

Some risks and side effects associated with wisdom teeth removal include bleeding, jawbone weakness, infection, deadness of your chin, lower lip or tongue. Infection is possible for up to two months after the removal. Hence, you should inform your dentist if you begin to see strange signs.

Home Remedies

Home remedies can be used to provide succour for wisdom tooth infection. In most cases, home remedies will relieve you of pain as well as discomfort for some time. You can try any of them if you will need to wait for a while before seeing your dentist.

Salt water rinse

 Salt water rinse is very effective for reducing pain associated with wisdom tooth infection. You should blend salt water cold or warm drinking water. The solution should then be used to gargle be your mouth properly before spitting it out. This will help in slowing down the activities of the bacteria in order to give you a temporary relief.

Hydrogen peroxide

 You should mix hydrogen peroxide with drinking water and use it as a mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties. And will help in getting rid of some surface bacteria present in the infection area.

Cold Compress

 In ice pack should be placed your cheek close to the point of the infection. You can also use a cold cloth compress for this purpose. The function of the cold is to help in soothing inflammation and swelling.

Clove Oil

Clove oil also has antibacterial properties. You can apply it to the infected area with the aid of cotton wool.  This can be repeated many times. So that pain and swelling will be reduced.

Over-the-counter pain medication

You can get over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications as well as numbing gels. Especially those containing benzocaine. This will help you to be relieved of ache and distress before seeing your dentist.

Other Causes of Pain

Even when your wisdom tooth is not infected, it can cause pain. In addition, you may feel some pain when it is removed. Other sources of toothache include gum pain, new or impacted tooth, crowding, cysts, dry socket, socket infection and so on.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal may be the last resort for wisdom tooth infection. However, you must ensure that you book an appointment with your dentist. So that proper examination can be carried out on your teeth. You should not forget your dental hygiene which is very vital for a robust dental health. Regular dental check-up is also very essential in order to prevent infections.