Wisdom teeth are the third molars situated at the far end of your mouth. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Technically, they’re the final set of teeth to emerge. Consequently, they’re more challenging to deal with overall. Their agitating nature is well known; thus, we advise not to take them lightly. Therefore, to better understand what you are dealing with, it is important to seek knowledge on this matter before things get too late.
What Is The Main Cause Of An Infection In Your Wisdom Teeth?
An infected wisdom tooth is an indication that your wisdom teeth are “impacted”. This happens when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for them to grow. You are more likely to develop an impacted wisdom tooth if you have a small jaw structure. The four additional wisdom teeth are usually not large enough to fit inside a person’s mouth. As a result, wisdom teeth frequently come out at an angle. Therefore, they press against the neighboring teeth or only emerge partially above the gumline. Each of these factors increases the chance of an infection.
How Does The Infection Develop?
Because wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean, food particles get stuck between your teeth and gums. When brushing and flossing, it’s easy to overlook the area at the back of your mouth. This can cause issues such as infections, cavities, tooth decay, the development of cysts, and several gum diseases.
How To Treat An Infection In Your Wisdom Teeth?
The treatment for a wisdom tooth infection is determined by its severity. Mild symptoms can be easily treated at home. Mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water to make a saltwater solution. Swish a mouthful of this solution in your mouth and spit it out. Do this multiple times a day, especially after eating, to prevent bacteria accumulation. In case of swelling, an ice pack can help soothe the pain.
See a dentist immediately if the discomfort continues for more than three to four days. The dentist will do a deep cleaning of the infected area and advise you to use an antibacterial mouthwash and antibiotics. Pain relievers and numbing gels can also help you manage the pain and sleep better. However, this procedure will only help to control the infection temporarily. Accordingly, to prevent further tissue damage, your dentist will extract your wisdom tooth.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Surgery would be required to extract a wisdom tooth. A wisdom tooth extraction can be challenging, but you don’t need to fret because you will barely feel anything under the effect of local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The procedure could take up merely 20 minutes. Your dentist may need to section and remove the tooth in pieces to protect your nerves and jawbone. To ensure the success of tooth extraction, opt for a renowned dentist like Porter Smiles. You can call us at 281-519-7200 to learn more about how we can help.