Abscesses are painful conditions in or around wisdom teeth
One of the many problems that can develop with wisdom teeth is an abscess. This painful condition occurs when pus, the product of an infection, collects in tooth’s inner core, which is known as the pulp. An abscess can also develop between a tooth’s root and the gum tissue. In the case of an impacted tooth, an abscess may even crop up between the tooth and the flap of gum tissue that partially covers it.
Any tooth can develop an abscess, but the wisdom teeth are particularly susceptible because they tend to collect the bacteria that lead to abscesses, as it’s hard to keep wisdom teeth clean. This is especially when the wisdom teeth are only partially erupted, which happens in so many patients because the jaws of modern-day humans are not wide enough for the wisdom teeth to fit.
Treatment of wisdom teeth-related abscesses and infections
Wisdom teeth removal can eliminate the discomfort of impacted wisdom teeth and also other painful oral health issues like abscesses.
To prevent problems like an abscess or infection, it’s important to have an oral surgeon remove the wisdom teeth, even when they are not symptomatic. Although a wisdom tooth can still be removed even when an abscess is present, it’s preferable to take out the tooth before it gets to that point.
Not only is an abscess painful, it can put you at risk for other systemic problems. If the infection continues to advance, it can spread elsewhere in the body. In fact, an abscess can lead to an infection of the bloodstream, or sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
The abscess is far from the only problem that a wisdom tooth may present. Decay, damage to surrounding teeth and misalignment all can result from an impacted wisdom tooth.
Eliminate your chances of developing a wisdom tooth abscess by having all of your wisdom teeth extracted. Ideally, this should take place before you turn 25 because the wisdom tooth’s roots are not as long and it’s easier to remove them.
If you’re concerned about developing an abscess in a wisdom tooth, schedule a consultation with our dedicated team of oral surgeons, serving Dallas and neighboring areas, at 817-329-4979 today.