Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 6 minutes
When a wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can affect not only your oral health but also your overall well-being.
In this blog, we will explore what an infected wisdom tooth feels like, the symptoms to watch for, and the available treatment options to get you back to feeling your best.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
An infected wisdom tooth feels like sharp, throbbing pain in the jaw, swollen gums, bad breath, and sometimes difficulty opening your mouth. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent more serious complications. If you suspect a wisdom tooth infection, seek treatment promptly to protect your oral health and relieve the discomfort.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Prone to Infections
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.
Because they are located at the back of your mouth, they can be hard to clean properly. Food debris and bacteria often get trapped in the gum tissue around these teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
Wisdom teeth can emerge at odd angles, making them partially or fully impacted (stuck under the gum). This increases the risk of infection since the tooth may not break through the gum fully, allowing bacteria to thrive under the gum flap. Poor oral hygiene or untreated gum disease can also lead to infections in and around your wisdom teeth.
| 💡 Did you know? Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures performed worldwide. Oral surgeons are highly trained to handle these extractions with precision, ensuring you experience minimal discomfort and a speedy recovery. |
Recognizing the Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Infections in wisdom teeth are not always easy to spot immediately, but there are several common symptoms to be aware of. If you experience any of these signs, it is important to seek help from an oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Common Symptoms
- Severe pain: Pain in your jaw or around the affected tooth that worsens over time.
- Swelling: Facial swelling around the jaw or mouth, especially near the infected area.
- Bad breath or bad taste: A persistent foul taste or odor in your mouth, caused by infection or food particles trapped in the gum tissue.
- Gum pain: Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth.
- Lymph node swelling: Swollen lymph glands in your neck or under your jaw, indicating infection.
Severe Symptoms
- Fever: An elevated body temperature as your immune system fights the infection.
- Difficulty opening your mouth: Limited jaw movement due to swelling or severe discomfort.
- White fluid or pus: Visible discharge of pus or a white fluid around the infected tooth or gum tissue.
- Throbbing jaw pain: Persistent jaw pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Potential Complications of Untreated Wisdom Tooth Infections
An untreated infected tooth can lead to several complications, some of which may require more extensive treatment. Complications include:
- Tooth decay: The infection can spread to a nearby tooth, causing tooth decay or damage to the neighboring tooth.
- Gum infection: The infection may spread to other areas of your gums, leading to periodontal disease.
- Jaw damage: If left untreated, the infection can affect your jawbone or surrounding soft tissues.
- Dry socket: After a wisdom tooth removal, you may develop a dry socket if the blood clot does not form properly in the tooth socket, causing severe pain.
- Temporary nerve damage: Tooth extraction can lead to temporary numbness in the jaw or lower face, though this is rare and typically resolves after healing.
Treatment Options for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Early intervention can prevent further complications and help you recover more quickly.
1. Antibiotics
Your oral surgeon may prescribe oral antibiotics to reduce the infection and prevent it from spreading. This is often the first step in treating an infection, especially if there is significant swelling or fever.
2. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If the infection is severe, or if the tooth is impacted or decayed, extraction is often the best option. Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure that can prevent future infections and improve your overall oral health.
What to expect during extraction:
- Anaesthetic injection: You will receive local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Sedation is also available if needed.
- Removal of the wisdom tooth: The oral surgeon will extract the infected tooth, taking care to protect the surrounding gum tissue.
- Blood clot formation: After surgery, a blood clot will form in the empty tooth socket, which is important for proper healing.
3. Pain Relievers and Home Care
In addition to antibiotics and possible extraction, managing the pain and swelling will be necessary. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce discomfort.
- Ice pack: Apply an ice pack to the swollen area to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Warm salt water rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the infection under control and promote healing.
- Avoid food particles: Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy foods that can get stuck in the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth.
4. Professional Cleaning and Follow-Up
In some cases, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended to remove food particles and bacteria from the area around your wisdom teeth. Your oral surgeon may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and ensure the infection has cleared.
Preventing Future Infections
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can go a long way in preventing future infections. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the back of your mouth.
- Floss regularly to remove food debris between your teeth, especially around your wisdom teeth.
- Schedule professional cleanings and dental checkups every six months to catch potential issues early.
- Consider early extraction if your oral surgeon identifies potential problems, such as impaction or partial eruption.
Trust Legacy Oral Surgery for Your Wisdom Tooth Care
Wisdom tooth infections can cause severe pain, swelling, and complications if left untreated. Whether you need antibiotics, professional cleaning, or wisdom tooth removal, the right treatment can alleviate your discomfort and prevent future issues.
If you suspect you have an infected wisdom tooth or are experiencing any symptoms, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location, or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location. You may also complete the online inquiry form, and we will reach out to you to set up an appointment.