Do Your Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
Posted on 2/8/2021 by Dr. J. Derek Tieken |
 Sometimes, wisdom teeth become infected. This may happen whether they emerge or become impacted. To take care of the condition, we recommend treating the infection before proceeding with an extraction.
Why Should an Infected Wisdom Tooth Be Treated First?
Wisdom teeth, whether they are impacted or have erupted, need to be treated then removed. The teeth, known as the third molars, are the last teeth to come in and usually appear, if not impacted, between 17 and 25. Often the wisdom teeth become infected because they are harder to keep clean. Because of the wisdom tooth location, it is easier for bacteria and food to become trapped at the site. It is also easy to miss the spot at the very back of the mouth when flossing and brushing. When the tooth becomes impacted, it may partially erupt, grow in sideways, or grow at an angle. If a wisdom tooth is partially impacted, it has a higher risk of infection. Should the tooth become infected, it should be treated before it is pulled. Otherwise, the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Types of Infection and Treatment
Several types of bacteria can trigger a wisdom tooth infection, including Streptococcus, Prevotella, Actinomyces, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Eikenella corrodens, and Aggregatibacter. A treatment for a wisdom tooth infection typically involves taking antibiotics and pain medicines. To make sure you are treated correctly, we will need to examine the tooth by taking x-rays. Antibiotics are usually administered a week before the tooth is removed. The medications are recommended, as they heal an infection and prevent the spread of bacteria. Antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, metronidazole, or clindamycin, may be prescribed. Please be sure you tell us if you are allergic to any of these medicines. Pain medication may be given as well. Usually, the tooth will then be repaired or removed. In most cases, an extraction is better, as it prevents crowding and further dental concerns.
Would you like to know more about treating an infected wisdom tooth or removing it? If so, give us a call with your questions. If you have not had a recent dental exam, schedule an appointment with us for an appointment for a check-up and professional cleaning.
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