Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, usually start to come in during the teenage years or early 20s. While some people experience no issues, in most cases, wisdom teeth cause overcrowding in the mouth, pushing teeth out of alignment.
In some instances, they may partially erupt or come in crooked. As soon as you notice the growth of wisdom teeth, it is essential to visit your dentist and get your mouth evaluated. The dentist will let you know if your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted.
The Problem of Doing Nothing
Some people just ignore their wisdom teeth and don’t bother having them checked by a dentist. Doing so can lead to pain, infection, and inflammation, also known as pericoronitis.
What Is Pericoronitis?
An inflammation of the gum tissue, pericoronitis is caused when wisdom teeth are trapped under the gum and become impacted due to a lack of space or overcrowding in the jawline. Most commonly seen in the lower jaw, whether the tooth is completely trapped under the gum or partially erupts, it can cause inflammation and infection, often requiring emergency extraction.
This serious gum infection is most commonly seen in people between 17 and 25, as their wisdom teeth are erupting, although it can affect any individual regardless of age.
What Are the Causes?
Pericoronitis is caused by many factors, but poor oral hygiene is the primary cause. Food accumulation and infection are other causes.
What Are Some Symptoms?
While the symptoms may vary from person to person, the most common ones are mild pain, bad taste in the mouth, and swollen gums.
Acute symptoms include
Broken-down bristles could lead to the following:
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing
- Discharge of pus
- Swelling on the affected side of the face
If you or a member of your family experience any of these symptoms, contact Cure Dental immediately.
Taking Care of the Problem
To address the issue, your dentist will first flush away any accumulated food particles and other debris from the area. They’ll prescribe oral antibiotics to fight the infection, and an antibacterial oral rinse to clear the infected area. In severe cases, it may also be necessary to have minor oral surgery to remove the flap of gum tissue. Over-the-counter pain relievers, or one prescribed by your dentist, help manage the pain.
Once the infection is clear, the status of the wisdom tooth is revisited. If the tooth is still coming in normally, fine, but if there’s a problem, the dentist may recommend it be removed.
Get Checked Today
Infections in the gum should never be ignored. Call us today for an emergency appointment.
CONTACT US
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.