Have you ever felt a sharp, throbbing pain at the back of your mouth and wondered if it is just your wisdom tooth coming in or something more serious? Wisdom tooth infections are common, especially when they become stuck under the bone and gums. Bacteria can get trapped easily around the area to cause pain, swelling, and irritation.
But it is not all the time that the wisdom tooth can be infected or require urgent removal! Sometimes, the pain is just a sign that your wisdom tooth is coming out. If you aren’t sure, it is always a good idea to go to your local dentist in Calgary for a thorough assessment.
To give you a better understanding of your wisdom tooth, this guide will walk you through some symptoms you need to look out for and how to know if your wisdom tooth needs emergency care.
What is a Wisdom Tooth Infection?
Swollen third molar. This is the simplest way to remember what a wisdom tooth infection is. Your wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth so they usually do not have enough space to come out properly. When the tooth gets stuck, it can trap food and bacteria leading to swelling and discomfort.
This is one of the common issues our Sierra Dental dentists see with impacted wisdom teeth. Left untreated, the problem can worsen quickly and can cause pain that you can feel up to your head and neck. This is when it becomes an emergency and will require removal to prevent further complications.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
If you’re having issues with your wisdom teeth, you’re not alone! While there are a few lucky ones that do not experience any discomfort with their wisdom teeth, the majority do. And here’s why they become problematic:
They grow in at the wrong angle
Some wisdom teeth push against the tooth beside them or grow sideways. This creates problems such as pressure, crowding, gum irritation, and small pockets where bacteria can easily thrive. This sets the stage for a future wisdom tooth infection.
A gum flap can form over a partially erupted tooth
When the wisdom tooth only comes in halfway, a small flap of gum tissue can cover part of it. This space can trap food and bacteria underneath, causing an inflammation of the wisdom tooth called pericoronitis. This can be painful, making it difficult for you to talk and eat.
They’re too far back to clean properly
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth. This can make brushing and flossing a challenge. So, even with good hygiene habits, plaque and bacteria can easily get stuck in the area, especially if the tooth is tilted or there is crowding.
Bacteria can thrive to form cysts or decay
When bacteria is left for a long time around the wisdom tooth, infection and decay can develop below the gumline. Unfortunately, this is an area you cannot easily see and reach. So, most patients often do not know something is wrong until the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection start.
Early Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
If your wisdom tooth is infected, it will let you know with its many signs and symptoms. And when this happens, you should not ignore it. Infections can worsen quickly, so getting treated as soon as the symptoms arise can help prevent serious complications. Here’s what to watch for:
- Throbbing or sharp pain behind your last molar
- Red, swollen, or irritated gums around the wisdom tooth
- Persistent bad taste or bad breath
- Pus or discharge coming from the gums
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes around the jaw
- Fever or chills, which indicate a more widespread infection
When is a Wisdom Tooth Infection an Emergency?
A wisdom tooth infection becomes a dental emergency the moment you develop systemic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth. These mean that the infection is spreading. At this point, a visit to your emergency dentist is important for proper care.
But don’t wait for things to get this serious. Even early discomfort and swelling are enough reasons to get checked. After a complete assessment on your wisdom tooth, our team can determine if treatment, including removal, is needed now to prevent more complicated emergencies later on.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Infection
If you’re dealing with a wisdom tooth infection, here are some treatment options that our dentist commonly recommends:
- Medications (Pain relievers and antibiotics)
Antibiotics help control the infection, while pain relievers ease discomfort so you can open your mouth properly and our team can assess the problem better. However, this is only the initial step and preparation for permanent treatment.
- Operculectomy (Gum flap removal)
If the infection is caused by a gum flap covering the wisdom tooth and the tooth itself is not causing deeper issues, an operculectomy may help. This involves gently removing the inflamed gum tissue so food and bacteria can no longer get trapped underneath. This is a simple, quick treatment and can help reduce recurring infections.
- Wisdom tooth removal
For most infected wisdom teeth, extraction is the ideal long-term solution. Removing the tooth eliminates the source of pain, swelling, and infection. At Sierra Dental, we have a team of experienced dentists and staff who perform safe and trusted wisdom tooth removal. This is the best way to prevent future emergencies and protect your overall oral health.
Risks of Ignoring a Wisdom Tooth Infection
We know treating a wisdom tooth infection and planning a removal can sound painful. But trust us, this is not something you should “wait out”. The longer an infection sits untreated, the more aggressive it becomes and the harder it is to fix. Here are the real consequences we often see in patients who delay treatment:
- Damage to the adjacent teeth and surrounding gums
When your wisdom tooth is infected, it can start wearing down or decaying the healthy molar next to it. Over time, this can lead to cavities, cracks, or gum problems which may require both teeth to need treatment or even removal.
- Gum disease and cysts are common in long-standing cases
Infections around the wisdom teeth begin with swollen gums. But as bacteria is left to thrive, chronic gum and periodontal disease can occur. This can affect the bone around the teeth leading to deeper infections that may demand emergency treatment.
- Jawbone or sinus infections, and even sepsis may happen in severe cases
When an infection is left untreated long enough, bacteria can enter the jawbone, sinus spaces, or bloodstream. This is rare, but when it happens, it becomes a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
How to Prevent Wisdom Tooth Infections
While you can’t control how your wisdom teeth grow, you can reduce the chances of painful infections. Here are two dentist-recommended ways to prevent wisdom tooth infections:
Practice good oral hygiene
Keeping the mouth clean and healthy is your best defence. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. If your dentist notes that your wisdom tooth is partially erupted and covered by gum tissue, a warm saltwater or antibacterial rinse can help wash away trapped food and bacteria where brushing can’t reach.
Consider early wisdom tooth removal
Preventive tooth extraction is a safe, predictable option we offer at Sierra Dental. During routine exams and X-rays, if we see that your wisdom teeth are likely to cause future problems, we may recommend removing them before symptoms start. This way, you no longer need to worry about future complications, including wisdom tooth infection.
Whether you are thinking about preventive care like early wisdom tooth removal or need urgent help for a painful wisdom tooth infection, you do not have to think about it on your own. Our team at Sierra Dental can help you understand the best treatment for your smile and oral health. We will discuss your options, help you understand the procedures involved, and keep you comfortable in every step of your treatment.