Wisdom Tooth Infection: What You Need to Know

Let’s talk about wisdom teeth—the late bloomers of your smile. While they’re supposed to add to your dental arsenal, wisdom teeth often cause more trouble than they’re worth. One of the most common problems? Infection. 

If you’re dealing with a wisdom tooth that’s more rebellious than helpful, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about wisdom tooth infections—from symptoms to treatments—and why 24-Hour Emergency Dentist is the best place to help you get back to smiling comfortably. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Infection? 

Wisdom tooth infections don’t always come with a big flashing sign, but they can make themselves known in some pretty uncomfortable ways. 

The Usual Suspects 

  • Throbbing Pain: That dull, relentless ache in the back of your mouth? It’s a tell-tale sign. 
  • Swelling: Puffy gums or cheeks near the tooth that make you feel like a chipmunk. 
  • Red Gums: Inflamed gums that look angry and feel sore to the touch. 
  • Bad Taste or Breath: If you’re noticing a foul taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath, it could be from trapped bacteria or pus. 
  • Trouble Chewing: Sensitivity or pain when biting down is another red flag. 

Surprising Symptoms 

Sometimes, a wisdom tooth infection isn’t just about the tooth itself. You might notice: 

  • Pain: Weird, right? But the nerves in your mouth and ears are closely connected. 
  • Headaches: The pain from an infected wisdom tooth can radiate to your temples or forehead. 
  • Fever: If your body temperature’s rising, it’s your immune system trying to fight off the infection. 
  • Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: Jaw stiffness, or “lockjaw,” is a less common but serious sign that needs quick attention. 

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait it out—get it checked by a professional. 

What Does Wisdom Teefth Infection Look Like? 

You don’t need to be a dentist to spot some visual signs of trouble: 

  • Swollen, Red Gums: The area around your wisdom tooth might look inflamed or irritated. 
  • Pus: Yes, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds. If you see a yellowish or whitish discharge, it’s time to act. 
  • Partially Erupted Tooth: Sometimes, the tooth only breaks through the gum halfway, creating a perfect hiding spot for bacteria. 

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we use advanced tools like an in-house CT scan to get a clear picture of what’s going on. It’s like an X-ray but with even more detail, so we can pinpoint the problem and figure out the best solution—fast. 

Why Do Wisdom Tooth Get Infected So Easily? 

Blame their location and timing. Wisdom tooth are tucked all the way in the back of your mouth, making them harder to clean. Add in the fact that they often erupt partially or at awkward angles, and you’ve got a recipe for trapped food, bacteria, and eventual infection. 

Other culprits include: 

  • Gum Flaps: Partially erupted wisdom teeth often leave a flap of gum tissue, which can trap debris. 
  • Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, creating tight spaces where bacteria love to hang out. 
  • Cavities: The hard-to-reach location makes wisdom teeth prime candidates for decay. 

Can You (and should you) Save an Infected Wisdom Tooth? 

Good question! The answer depends on the severity of the infection and the state of the tooth. 

  • Filling or Root Canal? If the infection is minor and the tooth is in a good position, treatments like a filling or root canal might save it. But with wisdom teeth, this is rare since they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. 
  • Extraction? If the tooth is severely infected or impacted (stuck under the gum), extraction is usually the best option. While this might sound scary, it’s a straightforward procedure—especially with our team of skilled oral surgeons. 

What’s the Treatment for a Wisdom Tooth Infection? 

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we take a thorough, tailored approach to treatment: 

  1. Diagnosis with Precision: Using our CT scan, we can see exactly what’s going on with your tooth, gum, and jaw. This helps us determine the best course of action. 
  1. Antibiotics First: If there’s significant swelling or infection, we might start with antibiotics to reduce the inflammation before treating the tooth. 
  1. Extraction or Cleaning: Depending on the severity, we’ll either remove the tooth or clean the area to stop the infection from spreading. 

Prognosis: Will You Be Back to Normal Soon? 

The good news? Wisdom tooth infections are highly treatable. With prompt care, you’ll likely be feeling much better within a few days. And if extraction is necessary, recovery is usually quick when handled by skilled professionals like our oral surgeons. 

Why Choose 24-Hour Emergency Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Issues? 

  • Fast Appointments: Whether you book ahead or walk in, we’ll get you seen 
  • Specialist Care: Our team includes oral surgeons who specialize in wisdom teeth extractions, so you’re in the best hands. 
  • Advanced Technology: With our in-house CT scan, we can diagnose and treat your issue with unmatched accuracy. 
  • Experienced Leadership: Dr Samir Boulis has handled over 1,000 dental trauma cases, ensuring you get expert care. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Get Checked 

Wisdom tooth infections aren’t just painful—they can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. But with the right care, you can stop the infection in its tracks and get back to living your life pain-free. 

If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain, swelling, or any other symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact 24-Hour Emergency Dentist. Our expert team is here 24/7 to provide fast, effective, and compassionate care—because no one should have to endure dental pain any longer than necessary.