A wisdom tooth infection in medicine is called an abscess. Detecting a dental abscess is not difficult, even on the first oral examination, the dentist will be able to diagnose the presence of an abscess visually. To avoid dangerous complications, the dentist develops the right course of treatment based on individual signs.
What is a wisdom tooth infection dangerous?
In the most serious cases, when the infection has destroyed the root system and the process can no longer be stopped, a tooth extraction is prescribed. If the dentist determines that the infection can be eliminated, preserving the tooth, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics, and the tooth can be drained. This procedure involves the removal of necrotic tissue, through the root canal.
Tooth abscess can occur for a number of reasons, most often it is provoked by the following diseases:
- Caries in its advanced form, periodontitis, pulpitis, gingivitis, and dental cysts;
- Infectious diseases such as influenza, acute respiratory infections, etc., can provoke the formation of an abscess;
- A chipped or fractured tooth resulting from a mechanical impact;
- The presence of furuncles on the skin, formed in the area of the jaw;
- Infection contracted during dental procedures, which can happen as a result of irresponsibility on the part of the attending dentist;
- Injuries to the mucosa or other areas of the skin.
Even if any symptoms of an abscess are suddenly gone, this is not cause for reassurance. On the contrary, it means that the tooth root has died out, and now the infection has begun to spread further through the dental system and the body as a whole. Attempts at self-treatment (opening pustules, heating, etc.) usually lead to the appearance of a fistula. The most serious complications of an abscess can be presented as the following list:
- Inflammation of the brain or bone marrow;
- Pneumonia;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Diabetes.
Symptoms
Basically, the bacteria affect one tooth, but if the disease is neglected, the suppuration can spread to several. The onset of a wisdom tooth abscess is always palpable, as it is accompanied by severe pain in the affected area. They may decrease in intensity for a while, but then only increase. Painkillers in such cases relieve the pain only for a short time.
The most common manifestations of the disease are as follows:
- Pain when pressing on the tooth and/or chewing;
- Pain in the gum when pressing on it;
- A bitter taste;
- An unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- The gum in the affected area becomes swollen;
- Facial asymmetry appears;
- swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, on the neck;
- fever and headache may occur.
Later on the inflamed skin of the gum may have wounds with purulent discharges. It should be noted that even a complete breakthrough of the abscess and the quiescence of pain does not mean the successful completion of the disease. It is necessary to see a dentist, because the bacteria still remain in the tissues of the tooth, and in the near future the disease will manifest itself again.
Causes of wisdom teeth inflammation
Bacterial damage to dental tissues can occur due to poor oral hygiene and lack of patient attention to dental health. Common causes include:
- Gum abnormalities (periodontitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis);
- the prevalence of dental caries;
- Dental cysts, granulomas;
- Cracks, chips on the surface of the tooth;
- Trauma to the mouth (e.g., while eating);
- Failure to change toothbrushes in a timely manner;
- Improper brushing of teeth;
- A weakened immune system.
However, the focus of infection can also be located in other parts of the body, with bacteria being carried into the gum by the bloodstream. Therefore, close attention should be paid to the treatment of any infectious diseases (especially ENT diseases) and improving immunity.
How to treat a wisdom tooth infection?
Effective treatment of a wisdom tooth infection must be comprehensive, combining:
- Opening a tooth abscess – draining the pus, followed by disinfection of the root part of the tooth affected by inflammation.
- Canal treatment, in which the pulp is removed, pus is drained, and the canals are filled.
- Surgical intervention in cases where the inflammation is advanced and spreads to the neck, throat, etc.
- Antiseptic rinses to help the pus escape and promote rapid healing of the wound after surgery.
- Taking antibiotics.
- Intake of analgesic drugs.
In modern clinics, tooth extraction for an abscess is a measure of last resort, which doctors resort to when there is no chance of saving it. After the extraction procedure, the hole is thoroughly cleaned to stop the spread of the inflammatory process. Only when it comes to wisdom tooth abscesses is extraction a frequent and reasonable decision.
Effective prevention of dental abscesses
Preventive measures that can prevent the occurrence of dental abscesses are available to everyone. A person who cares about his or her dental health, and wants to insure against painful inflammatory processes, should follow the following rules:
- Visit the dentist twice a year for routine care, and see the dentist immediately if any problems with the teeth or gums are detected;
- Use fluoride-rich dental hygiene products (pastes, lotions and rinses);
- Eat a diet rich in minerals and vitamins;
- Remove tartar in a timely manner and prevent formation of periodontal pockets.