Introduction
When your wisdom tooth gets infected, it can cause a lot of pain and problems. Sometimes, the best solution is to remove the infected wisdom tooth. This is called infected wisdom tooth extraction. It’s a simple procedure that helps you get rid of the pain and prevent further issues. In this article, we’ll explain everything about infected wisdom tooth extraction in easy-to-understand language.
What is an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth is one of the last teeth to grow at the back of your mouth. Sometimes, there isn’t enough space for the wisdom tooth to come in properly, which can lead to it becoming stuck or impacted. When this happens, the area around the tooth can get infected. An infected wisdom tooth can cause swelling, pain, and even bad breath. It might also be hard to open your mouth or chew food.
Why Does a Wisdom Tooth Get Infected?
There are many reasons why a wisdom tooth can get infected. One of the most common reasons is that the tooth doesn’t have enough room to come in fully. This causes a flap of gum tissue to form over the tooth. Bacteria can get trapped under this flap, leading to an infection. Another reason for infection could be poor dental hygiene. If food and bacteria get stuck around the wisdom tooth, it can cause swelling and pain.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
An infected wisdom tooth can cause several symptoms. These include:
- Swollen and red gums
- Pain around the tooth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty in opening your mouth
- Fever in some cases
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist. The infection can spread to other parts of your mouth if not treated.
What is Infected Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If your wisdom tooth becomes infected, the dentist might recommend extracting or removing the tooth. Infected wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure where the infected tooth is carefully taken out to prevent further problems. Dentists are trained to perform this procedure safely, so there is no need to worry. It’s done under local anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel pain during the extraction.
Steps of Infected Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- Numbing the Area: First, the dentist will give you an injection to numb the area around the infected tooth. This makes sure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Removing the Tooth: The dentist will carefully loosen and remove the tooth. Sometimes, if the tooth is stuck, they might need to cut it into smaller pieces to take it out easily.
- Cleaning the Area: Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the area to remove any infection or bacteria.
- Stitching: If necessary, the dentist will place stitches to help the area heal faster.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
After the infected wisdom tooth extraction, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or pain. The healing process can take a few days to a week. The dentist might give you some medicine to help with the pain. Here are some things you can do to help with recovery:
- Rest and avoid heavy activities for a few days.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup.
- Avoid drinking through a straw, as it can cause problems with healing.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep it clean.
What to Expect After the Extraction
After the infected wisdom tooth extraction, you might experience swelling and some bleeding. This is normal and should go away after a few days. You can use an ice pack on your cheek to help reduce the swelling. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking care of your mouth. It’s important not to touch the area with your tongue or fingers, as this can slow down the healing.
When to Call the Dentist
Sometimes, there might be complications after the extraction. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to call your dentist:
- Increased pain that doesn’t go away with medication
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
- Fever or chills
- A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away
These symptoms could be a sign that the infection has not fully cleared, and you might need additional treatment.
How to Prevent Infections After the Extraction
Taking good care of your mouth after infected wisdom tooth extraction is important. Here are a few tips to help prevent future infections:
- Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the area where the tooth was removed.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria away.
- Follow your dentist’s advice on how to care for the extraction site.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during the healing period, as it can slow down recovery.
Conclusion
Getting an infected wisdom tooth extraction might sound scary, but it’s a common and safe procedure. If your wisdom tooth becomes infected, removing it can help relieve the pain and prevent further problems. The dentist will guide you through the process and give you instructions on how to recover quickly. Make sure to take care of your mouth and follow the dentist’s advice to heal properly.
