Wisdom teeth occur between the aged of 17 and 22. These teeth are also called the third molars. The location of wisdom teeth is at the very back of your jawline, behind all the two previous molars. Wisdom tooth growth is problematic in many people, as it may rise a couple of complications. An infected wisdom tooth is one of the most common ones. Wisdom tooth infection pain is extreme and may prevent the person from doing daily chores. Even sleeping can be excruciating. Therefore, immediate treatment should be performed as initial as possible.

Wisdom tooth infection

Since wisdom teeth are located in behind of the mouth, it is very possible for them not to get sufficient tooth bed to erupt on. As a result, wisdom tooth growth may lead to a series of problems. Because there is no sufficient place on the jaw to accommodate new teeth, the third molars often grow sideways and emerge only partially. It is also possible for these teeth to get trapped beneath the gum and torus bone. In consequence, people experiencing their third molar grow often experience complications that lead to serious pain, causing wisdom tooth infection referred to as pericoronitis. This occurs when food left under the wisdom teeth. The condition wherein the wisdom teeth erupt only partially is scientifically coined as tooth impaction.

How to treat wisdom tooth infection

Wisdom tooth infection symptoms include severe pain, swelling of the gum wherein the wisdom teeth are located, swelling of the cheek, and difficulty of chewing. Fortunately, there are some methods and remedies that can be done to minimize the pain and other effects of this infection.

• Gargle with saline solution

Wisdom teeth commonly erupt and thus, stay improperly on the tooth bed. As most of those are impacted, it is very easy for the left food to get beneath these teeth, causing bacteria to get in. when the tooth is infested with bacteria, the infection presents and pain might occur. Gargling the mouth with saline solution, focusing on the infected area is helpful in getting rid of the infesting bacteria and minimize the caused pain, considering the salt’s natural anti-bacterial property.

• Taking antibiotics or pain-relieving pills

This will reduce the pain sensation on the infection site and improve the swelling and lumps if any. Antibiotics should be take regularly in order for the pain to subside. You can use over-the-counter medications without any prescription. However, avoid taking the antibiotics for prolonged period as this may cause bacterial resistance.

• Rinse the mouth with mouthwash

This is the easiest and practical method almost anyone can do. Mouthwash contains anti-bacterial property, which can be helpful in minimizing the pain caused by bacteria activity on the infection site. It also soothes the swelling eventually.

These conservational ways of treating a wisdom tooth infection is beneficial for those who do not prefer any tooth surgery. The pain and inflammation caused by wisdom tooth infection should subside within 3 to 4 days after the performed treatments. Within this period, you should see the swelling goes down, the bleeding stops, and the pain subsides. If you do not, and you definitely realize that your wisdom teeth are impacted, maybe you need to consider a surgical procedure as a more effective treatment.

Treating wisdom tooth infection with surgery

While the conventional methods of treating an infected wisdom tooth aims to minimize the resulted pain, surgical treatment for this infection is done to prevent further complications of the problem. Experts believe that the most effective way of treating wisdom tooth infection is by taking out the source of the problem.

Wisdom tooth extraction should be done by an oral surgeon and may require either local or general anesthesia, based on your entire health condition and the tooth problem. This is important to help you deal with the pain that may be caused during the procedure.

To remove any impacted teeth, an incision is made in the gum in order for the impacted tooth to be reached. If the tooth is badly impacted and located deep beneath the tooth bed, it may need to be cut in pieces to be able to be extracted properly. Once the tooth is extracted, the incised gum will be stitched close. This procedure may use either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. The tooth socket and gum wherein the incision is located will be packed with gauze to absorb the bleeding and promote healing. During this healing process, you are not allowed to spit as it may inhibit blood clot and make the bleeding worse.

After the surgery, you will be informed about when to return to the surgeon to get the stitches removed. During this time, performing proper wound care for the incised socket is essential, in order to prevent any infection.