Wisdom tooth infection is one of the most common diseases of the teeth and can be quite painful and disturbing. This article discusses wisdom tooth infection, its signs, complications, and treatment.
The human teeth consist of four sets of teeth, and they include the incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. The wisdom tooth is one of the molars and is often referred to as the third molar. As with other molars, it is used for chewing or grinding food.
The wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to emerge and are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the second molars. They are usually four in number (one on each side of the upper section and one on each side of the lower section) and generally erupt between the late teens and early 20s. A 2013 study found that 53% of people aged 25 and older have at least one wisdom tooth. However, some people may have fewer wisdom teeth, more, or none at all.
In most cases, wisdom teeth grow normally, but sometimes they erupt at an awkward angle, pushing into neighboring teeth or getting stuck in the gum, leading to inflammation and pain, which may result in an infection of the tooth. Also, because wisdom teeth may be difficult to brush, food particles can get trapped in between the teeth or between a wisdom tooth and the flap of gum covering the tooth. Accumulation of the food particles can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in wisdom tooth infection.
Wisdom tooth infection, sometimes called pericoronitis, is the inflammation and infection of the wisdom tooth and/or the gum surrounding it. There are limited studies on the prevalence of wisdom tooth infection. Nonetheless, an estimated 81% of people between the ages of 20-29 have been recorded to have had a wisdom tooth infection. Wisdom tooth infection can be mild or severe infection and may need removal or other treatments depending on its severity.
Some common symptoms of wisdom tooth infection may include:
The symptoms of wisdom tooth infection vary depending on the severity of your tooth infection.
Several factors contribute to the infection of a wisdom tooth. They may include:
Tooth impaction occurs when a tooth does not erupt well; it either gets stuck in the gum or pushes into a neighboring tooth. It often occurs when there's not enough room in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth. This causes pain and inflammation in the affected tooth and may result in the infection of that tooth if not properly treated.
Decay in a tooth can cause a buildup of microorganisms that may result in the infection of that tooth or the surrounding gum.
In some cases of tooth decay, tiny openings begin to form in the affected tooth. This is referred to as a cavity. Cavities may lead to the infection of the wisdom teeth and may result in the removal of the affected tooth.
Diseases of the gum, such as gingivitis, can spread to affect the wisdom teeth, thereby causing an infection.
Studies have shown that there's a possibility of infection following wisdom tooth extraction. This may be attributed to poor oral hygiene and poor follow-up management after the surgery.
Although wisdom tooth infection causes pain, which may be mild or severe, it is not the only cause of wisdom teeth pain.
Other causes of wisdom teeth infection may include:
Wisdom tooth infection, when left untreated or poorly treated, can lead to some complications that may be severely detrimental to a person's health. These complications may include:
This is a fluid-filled sac that forms at the root of the affected tooth. Cysts often result from a tooth impaction or infection. If an infection persists, it can stimulate the formation of a cyst in the jawbone near the affected tooth. This cyst can grow and cause further damage to the surrounding bone, teeth, and tissues if not addressed.
When a tooth is extracted, it is expected that there will be a formation of blood clots in the area of extraction. In a dry socket, the blood clot that forms becomes dislodged or dissolves before the wound heals completely. This exposes the underlying nerves and bone, causing severe pain, a foul taste, and bad breath. It also leads to bleeding from the site and can lead to infection of the affected site.
A poorly treated wisdom teeth infection can cause recurrent infections. This increases the risk of systemic infection, where the infection spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, causing systemic symptoms like fever, malaise, or, in rare cases, more serious complications. Also, recurrent infections can result in the formation of abscesses around the wisdom tooth, leading to increased pain.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally safe and effective. However, infections can occur during the healing process if not properly cared for. Research shows that infection of the wisdom tooth usually occurs between 1-4 weeks after the extraction.
This may be attributed to:
With the advancement of medicine and technologies, death and life-threatening conditions resulting from wisdom tooth infections are very rare. So, wisdom teeth infection rarely kills. However, untreated wisdom tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body through the blood, leading to potentially life-threatening complications such as:
These conditions, if not managed, may lead to death.
Treatment for wisdom tooth infection depends on the cause and severity of the infection. The treatment options include:
There are some home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of wisdom tooth infections or treat minor tooth infections. However, these remedies should not replace the professional treatment gotten from your dentist or healthcare provider.
Some of these home remedies may include:
Telemedicine has made medical consultations by doctors easier. So, it's possible to get a doctor online to prescribe some medications for you. However, it's important you visit a hospital or see a dentist for an initial review of your teeth before the online consultations.
Infected wisdom tooth removal is usually considered when there are recurrent infections, impacted teeth, overcrowding, damage to the surrounding tooth, and the presence of cysts. Nevertheless, some dentists or oral surgeons prefer to remove the affected tooth at an early stage of the infection or, in extreme cases of impaction, before the infection occurs. This is done to prevent the development of severe infections.
A wisdom tooth infection can be very discomforting for people with the condition. It can affect how a person speaks or even eats. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's best to consult a dentist or oral surgeon to evaluate the situation. They can assess the state of the wisdom tooth and suggest the best course of action for you.