Índice
Infected Wisdom Teeth: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in the mouth and are often difficult to clean due to their delayed location. This can lead to bacteria buildup and decay formation, which can result in wisdom tooth infection. Infected wisdom teeth can exhibit a number of symptoms and signs that indicate the presence of an infection.
Symptoms and signs of a wisdom tooth infection:
- Intense pain in the area of infected wisdom teeth.
- Swelling and redness in the gums near the wisdom teeth.
- Sensitivity to biting or chewing food.
- Persistent bad taste or bad breath.
- Difficulty in opening the mouth fully due to swelling.
- Fever and general malaise (in more severe cases of infection).
What causes the appearance of infection in wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located at the end of the rows of teeth and often have little room to emerge properly. This can lead to several complications, including impacted wisdom teeth (they become partially or completely trapped under the gums) and the accumulation of food debris and bacteria around them. These conditions favor the development of an infection, which can progress and affect the surrounding tissue, such as the gums and bone.
Tooth decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of infection in wisdom teeth. Bacterial plaque and food debris can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, such as wisdom teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
Gum infection: inflamed or diseased gums can allow bacteria to penetrate the roots of the teeth and cause an infection.
Dental injuries: Injuries to the teeth or gums, such as a blow or dental injury, can increase the risk of infection.
Tooth root blockages: the roots of wisdom teeth may be blocked by bone tissue or soft tissue, which can make it difficult to remove bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Lack of oral hygiene: Lack of oral hygiene, including insufficient brushing or lack of flossing, can allow bacteria to build up in the mouth and cause infection.
What is the treatment of an infected wisdom tooth?
- Antibiotics: If the infection is present and severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control it. Antibiotics help eliminate the infection and reduce inflammation before other treatments are considered.
- Cleaning and drainage: In some cases, the dentist may perform cleaning and drainage of the affected area. This involves removing the buildup of bacteria, pus and food debris around the infected wisdom teeth.
- Wisdom tooth removal: If wisdom teeth are impacted or prone to recurrent infection, removal may be recommended. Surgical removal of infected wisdom teeth is a common procedure and is performed under local or general anesthesia. Removal can eliminate the source of infection and prevent future problems.
- Caries removal: The first step in the treatment of wisdom tooth infection is the removal of the tooth decay. This can be done with a dental cleaning or dental pulp surgery to remove the infected pulp.
- Root canal cleaning: After removal of the decay, the tooth root needs to be cleaned to make sure that all bacteria have been removed. This may include a dental cleaning or surgery to open and clean the root.
Tips to prevent wisdom tooth infection
- Maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
- Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and dental examinations.
- Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods, which can contribute to tooth decay.
- Consider orthodontics or wisdom tooth surgery to correct alignment problems or lack of space in the mouth.
In summary, infected wisdom teeth can be painful and may require dental treatment. Prevention includes good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If you experience pain or swelling in the area of your wisdom teeth, see your dentist immediately. It is important to see a dentist as soon as you experience symptoms of wisdom tooth infection. A dental professional will evaluate your specific situation and determine the best treatment approach for you, which may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the position of the affected wisdom teeth.
