Infected Wisdom Teeth: All You Need to Know, According to Dr. Thomas Ocheltree
It has been common practice to extract wisdom teeth
sometimes even before they erupt. Similar to an appendix, people can survive
without having these pair of molars through adulthood. Sometimes, it can be
harmful when left unaltered as it can cause aesthetic problems or infection.
According to well-known orthodontist Dr. Thomas Ocheltree, there are several reasons why people need to remove their
wisdom teeth. Some of these common reasons include the following:
Other teeth being pushed around – In
some people, the wisdom tooth causes a condition called crowding. This gives an
unsightly appearance to an otherwise straight upper or lower dental arch.
Bite problems – Having an atypical bite pattern
can cause problems in speech, eating, and breathing. It can even cause facial
changes especially when the problem is severe. The growth of a wisdom tooth can
cause an overbite, underbite, or a crossbite depending on the area and angle.
Tooth infection – Another potential
problem of leaving a problematic wisdom tooth is the risk of infection. When
X-rays show that the wisdom tooth can cause problems with your other teeth,
this means that as it erupts, it may cause crowding that will create
hard-to-reach spaces for cleaning. Thus, an infection may occur with the wisdom
teeth or the other surrounding molars.
Dr. Thomas Ocheltree recommends people to have their wisdom teeth checked to
see signs of infection. Additionally, he suggests wisdom teeth removal for
people who may have the potential complications mentioned above.
What are the signs of an infected wisdom tooth?
Persistent pain
The first glaring sign of an infected wisdom tooth is persistent pain in the gum area. This pain could radiate throughout the jaw or even through the neck.
Inflammation
Upon visual inspection, you may notice swelling in the gum area accompanied with redness. The inflammation may be seen not only in the gum area but possibly on the cheeks. The area may feel warm and tender as well.
Brownish or blackish appearance
Cavities may be present during the time of infection. A brown or blackish tinge in the tooth often indicates that cavities have spread past the enamel.
Fever
As the body fights the infection, you may notice an above average basal temperature.
If you experience these symptoms or notice these signs in one or more of your wisdom teeth, below are some strategies to help.
How to relieve infected wisdom teeth
Try a saltwater rinse.
Salt is known for its infection-fighting properties. To relieve the pain associated with the bacteria present, you can try swishing with saltwater. Simply mix 1/2 tablespoon of normal table salt along with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Make sure that the solution is blended and swish around your mouth, most especially on the site of pain for 1-2 minutes. Spit and repeat the process when needed. Salt helps kill the bacteria that causes pain and infection.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful in managing the discomfort as you seek a more permanent treatment. Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce the persistent pain that you may be feeling. Be sure to read instructions regarding dosage, and also take caution for other contraindications for other medicines or substances you may be taking as well.
Apply a cold compress.
A cold compress may come in handy to relieve external pain and swelling. You may use a cold pack or place cubes on ice in a zip lock covered with a towel. Apply to your cheeks, jaw, and neck when needed. You can repeat this process two to three times a day. The cold sensation can temporarily numb the nerves that sends pain signals through your brain.
Seek professional help.
The remedies suggested above are provided only for temporary relief. To help completely solve the problem of an infected wisdom tooth, Dr. Thomas Ocheltree suggests seeking professional help for wisdom tooth extraction. You need to find a reputable doctor that can perform this minor surgical procedure with the inclusion of X-rays, prompt treatment and aftercare.
What happens when I don’t get my wisdom tooth removed?
Aside from persistent pain, there are many potential problems that can occur when you postpone the extraction of an infected wisdom tooth. The most obvious one is the spread of infection. The abscess that started in your wisdom tooth may spread to other surrounding molars causing cavities and pain.
Other serious problems may also occur such as infection spreading through your bloodstream. There have been cases where patient experienced heart problems and sepsis related to an infected tooth. The bacteria can travel through the blood vessels and affect other organs in the body.
Infected wisdom teeth may cause a lot of complications, but don’t let if hinder your well-being. By being armed with information and seeking the help of a healthcare provider, these can be the least of your concerns.
