If you’re experiencing pain or swelling at the back of your mouth, you may wonder if your wisdom tooth is infected. Symptoms such as jaw stiffness, bad breath, or gum swelling should never be overlooked.
Once the symptoms occur, patients tend to look for Dental Fillings Near You or other emergency care to get fast relief.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Infections?
Wisdom teeth don’t have sufficient room to develop. They may come in at awkward angles, partially emerge through the gums, or push up against other teeth. These issues develop spaces for bacteria to accumulate, causing infection.
When an infection attacks, patients sometimes make the mistake of mistaking it for cavities. In clinics providing Dental Fillings in Burlington, dentists usually determine if your aching is due to tooth decay or an infected wisdom tooth.
What are the Common Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
You might be infected if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Recurring pain in the back of your mouth
- Swollen or red gums
- Bad smell or unpleasant taste
- Trouble in opening your mouth
- Fever or tender lymph nodes
If you have these, your dentist may talk with you about treatment, such as antibiotics, removal, or even a dental filling for a cracked tooth if decay is present along with the infection.
Wisdom Teeth and Younger Patients
Wisdom teeth come in during late adolescence or early adulthood, but infections can happen to younger patients if food becomes stuck around partly erupted teeth. Dentists who do Dental fillings for children also keep a close eye on tooth development to ensure issues are addressed early before they become painful infections.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If the infected wisdom tooth is not treated, it can worsen the condition. The infection may go deep and affect the surrounding teeth, gums, or even the jawbone.
A dentist in Burlington can treat your dental issue, be it medicine, a minor surgery, or, in some cases, an extraction. Early visits to the dentist can keep you from experiencing pain and also save your teeth from bigger problems in the future.
Why Professional Help Is the Best Choice
Home care solutions, such as saltwater rinses or pain relievers, can help alleviate the pain slightly, but they do not cure it completely, which is why professional care is often necessary.
In such situations, visiting a dentist near you is considered the right option, as you can receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Moreover, they also recommend what needs to be done based on your tooth situation, whether it is antibiotics, scaling, a filling, or an extraction of the wisdom teeth.
Final Thoughts
An infected wisdom tooth may be painful, but identifying the warning signs early helps you sidestep more dangerous complications. Swelling, pain, or trouble in chewing should never be dismissed.
At Orchard Family Dentistry, our team has all your dental needs covered. Whether you need a filling or an extraction, our staff is here to help you enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile.
Schedule your appointment with our team to begin your journey to relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
The most frequent symptoms are pain, swelling, bad breath, and the inability to open your mouth. Having a fever or swollen gums means that you should go to a dentist immediately.
Can a cavity cause wisdom tooth pain?
Yes, sometimes pain adjacent to your wisdom tooth is due to decay, not infection. In those situations, your dentist can try treatment like a filling or extraction.
What happens if I don’t treat an infected wisdom tooth?
If you don’t treat the infected teeth, the infection spreads to the nearby teeth, gums, or even the jawbone. In some cases, it can also affect your oral health. Taking proper care can prevent future complications.